United preparing “initial offer” to sign £70m Rolls Royce defender, will “not take no for an answer” – report

Manchester United’s attack is flying under Michael Carrick, having scored eight goals in his first three games in charge.  However, the last two matches against Arsenal and Fulham have highlighted the side’s defensive frailties, which played a key role in sabotaging Ruben Amorim’s project at Old Trafford.  Only Bournemouth have conceded more goals than United among the top 15 teams in the Premier League this season. As such, a new defender should be on the club’s list of priorities. Manchester United keen on Murillo In January, The Peoples Person relayed a report claiming United are interested in Nottingham Forest central defender Murillo. Forest find themselves in a relegation battle, but their league form has had little impact on the reputations of Murillo and Elliot Anderson.  In particular, the Brazilian, who joined the Reds from Corinthians in 2023, has earned plaudits for his strength and calmness under pressure. Furthermore, the 23-year-old has been given the nickname “Beckenbauer” in Brazil for his ability to spread passes all around the field. It is believed Forest value their defensive leader at around £70 million, a staggering price for a centre-back. Another hurdle for United in the race for Murillo’s signature is Chelsea. Man United make move for Murillo According to Fichajes, Chelsea have decided to “enter the bidding war” for Murillo in their attempts to snatch the player “away from Manchester United.” It is believed the Red Devils have identified the Forest star as their “top priority” for the summer transfer window, given the uncertainty surrounding Harry Maguire’s future. The England international will become a free agent at the end of the season.  Murillo Premier League Stats: 2025/26 Season MetricValue Appearances18 Goals1 Expected Goals (xG)0.49 Expected Assists (xA)0.43 Shots On Target (Inside Box)2 Shots On Target (Outside Box)3 Touches in Opposition Box8 Free Kicks (Scored)1 (1) Passes (Completed %)806 (83%) Long Passes (Completed %)130 (50%) Minutes Played1,551 Dribbles (Completed %)14 (64%) Duels Won62 Aerial Duels Won20 Total Tackles27 Interceptions27 Blocks18 Red Cards0 Yellow Cards3 Fouls15 Own Goals1 The Spanish outlet claims United intend to move decisively for the Brazilian and are preparing an “initial offer” to lure his representatives to Old Trafford. The Mancunians have no intention of taking no for an answer. The Blues are also reportedly willing to fight until the very last second to secure Murillo’s signature.  Featured image Clive Mason via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Vishal Singh Vishal has worked in the football media industry for over six years, planning, writing, and editing content for several major outlets, including North Star Network. Vishal has a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Delhi University. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person, he covers Manchester United — a club he has been religiously following and supporting since 2012. Vishal also manages a leading MUFC fan page, The Red Devils, on Facebook with over a million likes. Big fan of ball-playing centre-backs and Harry Maguire’s knee-slide celebration!