Man United eye move for Nottingham Forest’s Murillo

Manchester United are looking for a new centre-back to cover for Lisandro Martinez and have shortlisted Murillo as a possible summer target, according to The I Paper.

The Red Devils could use a new defender, as Martinez regularly picks up injuries and struggles to find consistency.

His back-up, Harry Maguire, could leave Old Trafford for free this summer, and the injury to Matthijs de Ligt has not helped, leaving Man United with no choice but to be proactive.

Murillo could emerge as a viable target, especially if Nottingham Forest go down.

Per the report, “the 23-year-old has the perfect blend of youth and Premier League experience without ego.”

The Brazilian is renowned for launching attacks with his buccaneering runs and reliable passing. He has won 56% of his ground and 54% of his aerial duels this season.

Man United could use a consistent, reliable presence like Murillo in the rearguard, as Martinez has grown increasingly injury-prone.

It is worth noting that Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid are understood to be monitoring the Nottingham Forest man, waiting to pounce.

He is not agitating for a move as he has a deal that runs through till 2029, but there is an expectation that he could leave this summer.

However, United should weigh the stylistic trade-offs before making a move.

Murillo’s strengths lie in his aggression on the ball and his willingness to step into midfield, but he is not the most imposing centre-back physically.

Shorter and stockier than many elite defenders, he does not always dominate in the air, particularly against bigger Premier League forwards.

That could be a concern for any team.

If United are looking for a defender who brings authority to the rearguard, they may be better served targeting a more commanding centre-half who can consistently control the air and the ground.