Manchester United have been blessed with numerous incredible centre-backs over the years, with Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic arguably two of the best to ever represent the club.
Partnerships like that are very hard to come by in the modern game, with current boss Michael Carrick dreaming of having such a duo at the heart of his backline in 2025/26.
The now-Red Devils manager often featured alongside the aforementioned pair at Old Trafford, helping Sir Alex Ferguson win the most Premier League titles of any manager.
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However, the club are lacking the needed presence at the back to replicate any success in England’s top-flight, they will need added reinforcements within the backline.
Numerous players have subsequently been linked with moves to the Theatre of Dreams, which could see the manager handed the perfect player he needs for any success.
Man Utd targeting move for £100m sensation
A new centre-back has been on the agenda for United over recent weeks, which has led to Nottingham Forest star Murillo being touted as a potential addition for the Red Devils.
The Brazilian has been a regular starter for the Reds in the 2025/26 campaign, subsequently starting 16 Premier League games - but under three different managers to date.
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However, any deal for the 23-year-old would likely be an expensive one, with Sean Dyche’s men currently demanding a fee in the region of £70m to part ways with their key man.
He’s not the only Premier League option currently in their sights at present, with Tottenham Hotspur sensation Micky van de Ven another player being considered.
According to TEAMtalk, Carrick’s men continue to closely monitor the Dutchman’s progress, with the player currently not set to sign a new deal in North London.
The report also states that Liverpool are closely monitoring the progress of the centre-back, with both teams constantly monitoring his progress since his time at Wolfsburg.
Tottenham Hotspur's Micky van de Ven celebrates scoring their third goal
However, like Murillo, any deal would cost a small fortune, with the Lilywhites currently demanding a fee in the region of £100m to offload the defender in the near future.
Why Van de Ven would be United’s best CB since Rio & Vidic
As previously mentioned, United have struggled to have quality in the defensive department over recent years, which has no doubt affected their Premier League standing.
Last campaign alone, the Red Devils shipped 54 goals in their 38 outings, subsequently resulting in the club ending the campaign in a measly 15th position.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim reacts after the match
The likes of Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt have all filled the void in recent times, but evidently not to the level required for success in England’s top-flight.
Lisandro Martinez has returned to action in recent weeks, already making a huge impact, as seen by his ability to pocket Erling Haaland in the Manchester derby last weekend.
However, a deal for Van de Ven would add much-needed quality into the backline, with the Spurs star able to feature in the role for many years to come, given his tender age of just 24.
His stats from the ongoing campaign showcase his remarkable talents, which could allow him to emulate the success of Ferdinand and Vidic at Old Trafford in the years ahead.
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The Dutchman, who’s been dubbed “exceptional” by Arsène Wenger, has completed 90% of the passes he’s attempted, whilst completing 60% of his dribbles this campaign.
Such numbers showcase his incredible ability with the ball at his feet, something which Ferdinand and Vidic became known for during their own time in the Premier League.
Micky van de Ven - stats in 2025/26
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals scored
Pass accuracy
Chances created
Tackles won
Aerials won
Dribble success
Recoveries made
Stats via FotMob
He’s also won 1.1 tackles per 90, whilst coming out on top in 3.3 duels per 90 - with the aforementioned figures handing Carrick the defensive solidity he craves at Old Trafford.
The Dutchman’s talents out of possession are further reflected in his superb figures of 1.4 aerial duels won per 90 and 1.3 interceptions made per 90.
His pace is also a massive factor in his performances of late, with Van de Ven registering the fastest speed clocked of any player in the division last season.
£100m would be a club-record transfer for United, but it would be a deal that would no doubt improve one of the problem positions currently troubling the Red Devils.
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If he does move and get anywhere near the levels of Ferdinand and Vidic, it would be a deal worth every penny and could potentially provide the difference for the club in their quest to return to their former glory.
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