Nottingham Forest defender Murillo has emerged as a Manchester United target, but the Brazilian has already named three preferred clubs for his next move.
The January transfer window is underway. Manchester United have yet to welcome any new players to the squad, despite sitting seventh in the Premier League and aiming to secure Champions League qualification.
Michael Carrick was appointed United’s head coach on Tuesday, over a week after Ruben Amorim’s dismissal. It remains to be seen if the former Middlesbrough manager will get an option to strengthen his side before the end of the month.
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Reports suggest United may sign a left winger on loan for the remainder of the season, but it looks like Ineos may wait until the summer to make significant adjustments to the squad.
United are expected to sign a new defender and midfielder in the summer, with multiple targets emerging in the newspapers each week.
Murillo celebrates against Crystal Palace
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Murillo has a preference for Premier League switch
United have had issues in defence this season, so it’s hardly a surprise to see the Red Devils linked with a new centre-back for 2026.
Amorim was unable to settle on his preferred back three throughout his 14 months in charge, before Darren Fletcher made changes during his two games in the hotseat.
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It remains to be seen how Carrick intends to set up his United side, with many predicting more emphasis on the attacking side of the game.
Nottingham Forest’s Murillo has been linked with a move to United, with Maguire unlikely to get a contract extension.
Speaking on the Benja Me Mucho podcast in July 2024, Murillo confirmed he had received interest from Chelsea but said he was also open to joining fellow Premier League clubs Arsenal, Liverpool, or Man City.
“I don’t know if it’s £70m, but I know there was a buzz of interest,” Murillo said when asked about speculation linking him with a move to Stamford Bridge.
“So, I don’t know exactly how much the amount is, but I know there was interest.
“I had the dream of playing in the Premier League and I had that thought: ‘I’ll go to Nottingham Forest, have a good year and then I’ll go to a big club.’ I had that in my head.”
The 23-year-old went on to admit his preference is to sign for City, adding: “I’d choose Manchester City but it would be more difficult for me to be a regular starter given the players they have in their squad.
“There’s City, Arsenal as well, who are fighting for the Premier League title. I wouldn’t discard Liverpool either, it would be a good opportunity for me to show my football in a big club.
“We don’t know anything for certain, the window opened last month so I’m going to return to Nottingham Forest for pre-season.
“There might be some discussions on whether I’ll stay or not so there’s a lot of things to happen still but I’m relaxed.”
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Murillo gestures to teammate.
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Murillo never got his move to Chelsea – City, Liverpool or Arsenal – but he could earn a big move to Old Trafford in the summer if he can end the season strongly.
Nottingham Forest have had a difficult season in the Premier League and currently sit 17th, just seven points clear of the relegation zone.
Murillo signed a new, improved four-and-a-half-year deal in January 2025.
Murillo stats for Nottingham Forest this season
It has been a difficult campaign for everyone at Forest.
They have star players like Murillo and Elliot Anderson, who are both on United’s radar, but they could still drop to the Championship if results don’t go their way.
Murillo may be playing in a struggling side, but the Brazilian centre-back’s stats arguably show that he is too good a player for a team hovering above the relegation zone.
After playing 15 matches in the Premier League and five in the Europa League, Murillo has been partly responsible for three clean sheets.
Murillo won 16 tackles in those games, picked up four yellow cards and came away with an 84% pass completion.
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