Man Utd target Murillo has 'perfect blend' as transfer chase set to be changed by three current Red Devils stars

Manchester United are continuing to take interest in Nottingham Forest centre-back Murillo.

Back in January it was reported by the Mail that Manchester United were keen admirers of Nottingham Forest defender Murillo.

He was seen as a possible successor to Harry Maguire, however, centre-back was ranking very low down the club’s list of transfer priorities for summer 2026.

The situation is changing, with centre-back becoming more a problem position for Manchester United over the past few weeks. This could influence United’s plans to sign Murillo.

De Ligt and Martinez concerns

Manchester United have ongoing concerns about defender Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt.

De Ligt has been out of action since the start of December. His back injury was originally expected to be a short-term problem. Now in mid-March, there is still no return date.

He has played only 13 Premier League games last season. In 2024/25, he played 29 league games, and missed the Europa League Final with an injury.

Martinez is set to miss United’s next game, and this will be the fourth game he has missed in succession. This was also expected to be a short-term injury.

More United News

This season Martinez has only played 14 league games, and last season totalled only 20, suffering a torn ACL.

Martinez has never made 30 league starts in a season for Manchester United since joining the club in 2022, despite being viewed as first choice.

Now these ongoing injury concerns could be set to shape Manchester United’s chase for Murillo.

Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez are injured too frequently – Should either or both be sold in the summer?

Let us know your view!

United admiration of Murillo is high

According to a fresh report from iNews, Manchester United view Murillo as a ‘perfect blend’ of having Premier League experience, and being young at just 23.

United’s interest in Murillo now figures high on a shortlist of potential centre-back signings, which is now being considered more strongly due to the injuries to De Ligt and Martinez.

While United will need more squad depth next season due to hopefully having European football, the club require reliable options.

Murillo has already played 30 games for Forest this season in all competitions, and could be a more trusty player to have available than either Martinez or De Ligt.

United would have to consider whether to sell either Martinez or De Ligt in the summer – or even both.

A move for Murillo could become even more plausible if Nottingham Forest are relegated at the end of the season.

Should Harry Maguire get a contract extension beyond the 2025/26 season?

Harry Maguire is third United player involved

The third Manchester United defender involved in this dilemma is veteran centre-back Harry Maguire.

After overcoming an injury that saw him miss time in December, Maguire has been United’s most reliable defender in recent months.

His contract expires at the end of the season, but there is a growing case for Maguire to be offered a new deal.

This could soften the blow of selling either Martinez or De Ligt, if United chose to do so.

There are still nine games of football left to be played this season, and it’s possible one of United’s injured stars could return and redeem themselves, but time is running out.

Click here to read article