There was a lingering sense under Ruben Amorim that Manchester United's defensive unit were perhaps the only department to have benefited from the switch to a 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1, with the shift to a back three providing greater protection for the club's pool of centre-backs.
That myth has been dispelled to a degree since Michael Carrick took charge, however, with Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire notably forming a fearsome partnership in the early weeks of the Englishman's reign, winning four of their five games together prior to the trip to Everton.
Diogo Dalot and Harry Maguire
The little and large combination looked like a fruitful one, it must be said, with the pair representing the perfect blend of silk and steel at the heart of the defence.
For all that quality, however, Martinez's long-standing injury record remains a concern, while there is certainly still room for improvement defensively, with United shipping more goals than any other member of the Premier League's top eight.
PL Top 8 - Goals conceded
Club
Arsenal
Man City
Man Utd
Villa
Liverpool
Chelsea
Brentford
Everton
That is why, despite a relatively healthy-looking centre-back department, the Red Devils may look to strengthen again heading into this summer.
Man Utd could see bid accepted for £70m centre-back
Martinez, who only returned from an ACL injury during the festive period, has again been forced to sit on the sidelines in recent weeks, after sustaining a calf injury ahead of the 1-0 win over Everton.
Maguire, meanwhile, is now back in the England mix after starting every game of Carrick's tenure, albeit with the 33-year-old still yet to sign a new contract, even if an extension is expected.
With Matthijs de Ligt a long-term absentee, and with Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven still looking like players for the future, it is understandable that the INEOS regime might still be looking for a "defensive leader", as journalist Andy Mitten has repeatedly referenced.
With that in mind, TEAMtalk have reported that United have already held preliminary talks regarding a possible move for Nottingham Forest defender, Murillo, with the Old Trafford side said to have a 'clear admiration' for the powerhouse Brazilian.
The report suggests that it is Liverpool who are more likely to lodge a bid, with INEOS looking for 'cheaper alternatives', although the Red Devils are considered a 'contender' for his signature.
Nottingham Forest's Murillo in action with Fenerbahce's Jayden Oosterwolde
Encouragingly too, the report makes it clear that any suitor could likely seal the deal if they meet Forest's reported £60m-£70m asking price, a figure that would represent a club-record sale for the Tricky Trees.
Why Murillo could be a Martinez and Maguire hybrid
Maguire's return to international action was a welcome sight on Friday night, with the ageing defender making his first appearance under the Thomas Tuchel regime in the 1-1 draw with Uruguay at Wembley.
The £80m man has deservingly forced his way back into the fold following an extended run in the side and a clean bill of health at the Theatre of Dreams, albeit while seeing red in United's pre-international break clash away at Bournemouth.
Speed might not be his forte, but the towering centre-back is a real old-school brute of a defender, while also possessing that knack for being able to carry the ball out of defence with ease.
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There has been a development in the Red Devils' pursuit.
As for his recent partner, Martinez, the 27-year-old has his own dogged defensive determination, yet while boasting such prowess in possession, ranking in the top 3% for both progressive passes and progressive carries this season, as per Datamb.
In Murillo then, INEOS would be acquiring something of a mix of the two, a man with the strength and size of Maguire, yet with the cultured, ball-playing quality of Martinez in that left-sided role.
Still only 23, the left-footer has enjoyed a rapid rise in recent years, having joined Forest in 2023 after making just 13 first-team appearances back in his native Brazil for Corinthians.
What has particularly caught the eye is the Martinez-esque manner in which he can breeze forward from deep, turning defence into attack in an instant with what has become almost a trademark run.
The Forest sensation notably almost scored a remarkable solo effort away at Selhurst Park in his first season, charging his way up the pitch, or rather gliding his way up the pitch to devastating effect.
He was also notably part of the side that for so long looked set to claim Champions League qualification last term, and while it has been a trickier test this time around, Murillo remains a central figure in the Nottingham machine.
Nottingham Forest's Murillo applauds fans after the match
In 23 Premier League starts, he's notably averaged 2.7 tackles and interceptions per game, boasted a solid 84% pass accuracy rate and won 55% of his total duels.
While £70m may appear a steep fee for a man operating in a relegation-threatened side, Murillo appears to have all the makings of the perfect modern-day centre-back, ensuring he could prove the long-term solution that United are searching for.
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