Manchester United have reportedly opened talks to sign Murillo after Nottingham Forest issued a clear demand for their 23-year-old centre-back.Defensive ReinforcementsThe Red Devils are solidifying th...
Manchester United have reportedly opened talks to sign Murillo after Nottingham Forest issued a clear demand for their 23-year-old centre-back.
Defensive Reinforcements
The Red Devils are solidifying their plans for the summer transfer window, with several positions in need of reinforcements.
The midfield will be the priority, given the departure of Casemiro at the end of his contract and the poor form of Manuel Ugarte. Elliot Anderson, Murillo’s teammate at the City Ground, is the club’s primary target.
A new left-sided player, whether a full-back or winger, is also expected to be targeted, depending on the coaching staff’s plan for Patrick Dorgu‘s long-term future at Old Trafford.
However, a new central defender may also be on the agenda as the future of Harry Maguire remains uncertain. The 32-year-old Englishman’s contract is set to expire and, so far, negotiations have not yielded a breakthrough.
Furthermore, Matthijs de Ligt‘s innocuous back issue, initially expected to rule him out for a few weeks, has turned into a three-month absence. There is currently no set date for the Netherlands international to return, putting his World Cup hopes at risk.
This combination of the club’s two defensive powerhouses having doubts about their availability appears set to accelerate United’s desire for a new centre-back – with Murillo offering a Premier League-proven option who is still yet to enter his prime.
Brazilian Behemoth
A host of clubs across Europe are interested in signing the 23-year-old Brazil international, who has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most fearsome defenders since joining Forest from Corinthians in 2023.
Paired alongside Serbian giant Nikola Milenkovic, the centre-backs formed the bedrock of the Tricky Trees’ superb campaign last season, which saw the club return to Europe for the first time in almost 30 years.
Forest have endured a difficult change of fortune this year, however, having had four managers in place as chaos has consumed the City Ground, and they now teeter on the verge of relegation. This has led to the prospect of their best players abandoning a sinking ship this summer, with United understood to be considering a triple swoop for Murillo, Anderson and Morgan Gibbs-White.
However, a fresh report by TEAMtalk now reveals the Red Devils have launched a raid for the Brazilian defender first, with an inside source contending talks are already ongoing over a move. Murillo is described as “keen to play for one of the big clubs in England”, with both Chelsea and Liverpool also registering their interest.
A separate source in Brazil claims Forest have set a €70m (£61m) asking price for their prized asset, suggesting United are ready to get close to this demand if negotiations have been opened.
Final Thoughts
Murillo is an excellent centre-back who combines a throwback style of no-nonsense defending with the quality on the ball that modern football demands. Despite being just 23, he already possesses a wealth of experience and is believed to be an excellent figure in the dressing room.
However, the idea that United will spend a fee in excess of £60m on a left-sided central defender after Lisandro Martinez’s resurgent return to the fold at Old Trafford feels unlikely.
The Peoples Person would advise waiting for a more reputable source to confirm any advances for Murillo before getting excited about the prospect of seeing the Brazilian behemoth in a red shirt.
Featured image Clive Mason via Getty Images
The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
Category: General Sports
