United want 23-yo Brazilian monster to replace Amorim’s general, PL forwards are terrified of him – report

Manchester United have identified Murillo as a potential replacement for Harry Maguire, but will have to be patient in their pursuit of the Nottingham Forest defender, according to the latest report.

End of the line for Harry?

Maguire, 32, is out of contract this summer after signing a twelve-month extension last year, and there is a growing sense that this season will be his last in a red shirt.

The English centre-back has only started four matches this season due to a hamstring issue, as he is starting to show more wear and tear in the latter stage of his career. However, he has become more of a squad player in recent times, regardless of his availability.

The emergence of Matthijs de Ligt as the team’s most important defender, the return of Lisandro Martinez from an ACL injury, and the continued development of Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven have relegated Maguire in the pecking order. The departure of Ruben Amorim, along with his three-at-the-back system, also reduces the need for the considerable stockpile of central defenders currently at Old Trafford, given that his eventual successor will be expected to utilise a back four.

There has been interest from Serie A, where the slower pace of Italian football suits an ageing centre-back, while an approach from the Saudi Pro League cannot be ruled out.

There have been talks over a new deal with United, on reduced terms given Maguire’s salary is not commensurate with an option from the bench. These have not progressed, however, and the former Leicester City star is now free to talk to other clubs over a free transfer in the summer.

This has led United to consider Murillo as an option to bolster the defence in the event that Maguire goes, with a sense that physicality and leadership will be needed at the back if he does.

Murillo on the menu

The 23-year-old Brazilian has established himself as one of the best young centre-backs in the Premier League since arriving from Corinthians in 2023 for £10 million.

Alongside Nikola Milenkovic, the duo formed the foundation of Nuno Espirito Santo’s outstanding Forest side last season, which saw the Midlands club return to European football for the first time in nearly 30 years. 

The Portuguese coach has since departed, but Murillo’s reputation—an aggressive, front-foot defender with composure on the ball and a mean strike without it—remains intact.

United have a long-standing admiration for the Brazil international and are ready to intensify this interest, according to the Daily Mail.

“Murillo is open to leaving Forest next summer despite signing a new, improved four-and-a-half-year deal in January 2025. And it is understood the Brazilian is prominent on United’s radar as they prepare for the departure of Harry Maguire.”

Murillo is open to a departure from the City Ground, despite signing a new four-and-a-half-year deal last summer. It is believed European football would be an essential gambit for any suitor, however, with United’s chances precariously balanced after Amorim’s shock dismissal.  

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