INEOS U-turn: United identify fearsome 23yo as the perfect replacement for injury-prone superstar – report

Manchester United’s defence has taken quite a beating due to injuries to key performers. As a result, INEOS are planning on adding to United’s numbers at the back. The Red Devils are without three defenders at the moment. Lisandro Martinez was initially supposed to miss only one game, but he is now set to miss his fourth consecutive match, Sunday’s tie against Aston Villa. Matthijs de Ligt has been sidelined for over three months now, with no return in sight. Patrick Dorgu also remains unavailable. With two centre-backs out, and Harry Maguire yet to agree a new contract, the co-owners have been forced to scour the market for reinforcements at the heart of the team’s defence. Injury issues at the back force INEOS to change their transfer plans Martinez’s injury has affected the team badly, both defensively and while building play from the back. A left-footed defender would be the ideal recruit. According to i Paper, Nottingham Forest’s Murillo has emerged as a genuine target, due to his “perfect blend” of youth and Premier League experience, attributes INEOS value highly. The Brazilian is not agitating for a move away from the City ground, but should Nottingham Forest suffer the ignominy of a relegation, the 23-year-old is expected to jump ship. “Manchester United are starting to draw up a shortlist of centre-backs to provide more reliable cover in the heart of defence with Lisandro Martinez facing another extended layoff. Murillo perfect replacement for Martinez “Coupled with the mystery around Matthijs de Ligt’s back injury – the Dutchman has been out for three months with no return date in sight – plans are afoot to address the situation. “The i Paper has been told that despite centre-back not previously being a priority position to strengthen in the summer transfer window, the focus being a new left-back, left winger and at least one central midfielder – yet more injury setbacks have forced the club’s hierarchy to draw up a list of potential defensive reinforcements. “The identification process is still in its infancy, but Nottingham Forest’s Brazilian defender Murillo features, The i Paper understands. The 23-year-old has the “perfect blend” of youth and Premier League experience without the ego, one source added, with co-owners Ineos looking for the type of player who can handle the big stage, without the baggage that comes with more marquee names.” United will not find it easy to sign the former Corinthians ace, given the presence of Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid in the race. But INEOS should give it their all as Murillo ticks all the boxes, and can be potentially signed for a cut-price fee if Forest go down. 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 Ayantan Chowdhury After failing to become a professional footballer, Ayantan switched to the next best thing: writing about the greatest football club in the world. He has extensive sports journalism experience, having worked for over 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25