Manchester United’s centre-back department looks likely to be strengthened this summer after this season has shown a concerning lack of depth in the position.
On paper, Manchester United’s centre-back list is arguably the strongest position at the club; however, in reality, Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez cannot be counted on for their fitness.
Harry Maguire is brilliant but shouldn’t be relied upon at his age, and so that leaves Ayden Heaven with Leny Yoro as the only players who will be here long term.
So with this in mind, alongside an anticipated longer season, Ineos needs to bolster the position, and Marcos Senesi has been considered.
Should Manchester United sign Marcos Senesi for free this summer?
He's top quality as a squad option…
Marcos Senesi
Getty Images
Murillo dribbles forward for Nottingham Forest
Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Manchester United prefer Murillo to Marcos Senesi
Last week, it emerged that United were looking at Marcos Senesi on a potential free transfer once his contract at Bournemouth expires this summer.
Senesi has already decided to leave, with Chelsea also interested.
However, now The I Paper Sport has claimed that while Senesi is being monitored, United are not planning to make a move.
More United News
The reason for this is that Senesi doesn’t fit into the club’s preferred age profile or type, going against Ineos’ recruitment policy.
Instead, United are looking at Nottingham Forest defender Murillo as a more likely option to aid the defensive rebuild.
United have identified Murillo as being the ‘perfect blend of youth and Premier League experience to fit perfectly into the defensive department.
Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez are injured too frequently – Should either or both be sold in the summer?
Let us know your view!
De Ligt / Martinez
Getty Images
Manchester United need to move on from Lisandro Martinez
On his day, Martinez is a best in the world contender, but in the past three years for United, his day has rarely come with long-lasting injuries mixed in with various shorter issues.
Put plainly, whoever is United’s permanent head coach cannot rely on the Argentine to be a key part of his team, with the track record showing he can’t handle the workload with his injury list full of recurring issues.
De Ligt falls into this category as well, with the Dutchman missing almost five months now through his back injury, which doesn’t sound like it will completely recover and go away for good anytime soon.
Murillo is a perfect addition, giving United three young defenders who could be among the league’s best, with the experience of Martinez and Maguire supplementing this.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox