Manchester United have joined the race for a 23-year-old centre-back as potential cover for their injury-prone defenders, with the star currently staring down the barrel of relegation.
Manchester United’s season has taken a turn for the better since the introduction of Michael Carrick, with the former Red accumulating 19 points from his first eight Premier League fixtures.
Since the introduction of the 44-year-old interim manager, United have been flying and have managed to climb up to third in the league table.
Many of Carrick’s Reds have looked revitalised under the Englishman, with the likes of Harry Maguire, Casemiro and Benjamin Šeško all playing more than their part in their side’s fantastic run of form.
Unfortunately for United, they may have to replace Maguire next season, with the English defender’s contract expiring in June. They have added a Nottingham Forest defender to their shortlist.
United join Murillo race
As reported by iSport, United have joined the race for 23-year-old Murillo, who has impressed for Forest since he arrived in 2023.
The Brazilian defender has been on the radar of many top European sides, such as Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid, before joining the United shortlist.
The report states that, “Manchester United are starting to draw up a shortlist of centre-backs to provide more reliable cover in the heart of defence with Lisandro Martinez facing another extended layoff.
“Coupled with the mystery around Matthijs de Ligt’s back injury – the Dutchman has been out for three months with no return date in sight – plans are afoot to address the situation.”
United to benefit from relegation candidates
It has already been widely reported that United are in the market for a new central midfielder, with Elliot Anderson being touted as their top target.
If Forest are to go down, which they are in danger of doing, then the Red Devils could benefit heavily from the price drops that may come with their relegation.
Anderson’s price has been listed at around the £100 million mark, although a relegation will almost certainly lower this, as will be the case with Murillo.
As far as defensive cover goes, Murillo seems like an ideal option due to his age and his top-flight experience, especially if his side are to be bitten by the drop.
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