United identify 23-yo warrior as veteran star’s replacement but face Chelsea threat – report

Manchester United are laying down succession plans for Harry Maguire, whose contract expires at the end of this season. The 32 year old has been an indispensable part of the starting XI since Michael Carrick took over as caretaker manager last month following the dismissal of former head coach Ruben Amorim. Maguire has played every minute of the English manager’s first three games in charge, helping pick up nine points. However, recent reports have suggested that the Red Devils are ready to let him leave this summer. Despite dividing opinion among fans, the veteran defender has been a key member of the first-team squad during his stay at Old Trafford, and has registered 17 goals and nine assists in 259 appearances for United to date. The Red Devils are now looking for an able replacement, and recent reports state that they have set their sights on Nottingham Forest defender Murillo as an option. One of Premier League’s best Murillo is one of the best young centre-backs in the Premier League and was central to Nottingham Forest’s rise last season. While the West Bridgford side have struggled this campaign, the Brazilian’s stock remains high. 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 Source: Premier League Website.Murillo also fits United’s new Premier League-centric transfer policy and could hit the ground running with a move to the Theatre of Dreams. However, the 23 year old is under contract at the City Ground until 2029, so prising him away is likely to be a costly affair. The Red Devils are already hot on the heels of Murillo’s club team-mate Elliot Anderson, which could further complicate matters. It now appears that they will also face competition from a Premier League rival in the race for the Brazilian. Chelsea want Murillo According to TEAMtalk, Chelsea are keeping a close eye on Murillo as they look to revamp their backline this summer. The report states: “Manchester United are keen on Nottingham Forest defender Murillo, sources have told TEAMtalk, but the Red Devils are facing a threat from Chelsea for the Brazilian, with Jason Wilcox also ready to raid City Ground for Elliot Anderson.” “Murillo’s future at Nottingham Forest is set to come back into focus towards the end of the season, with Chelsea and Man Utd continuing to monitor his situation.” Murillo is reportedly open to a move away from the Premier League, with Real Madrid also in the race. However, Los Blancos are expected to prioritise moves for potential free agents like Ibrahima Konate and Dayot Upamecano. The report states that United are pleased with the Brazilian’s consistency and composure at the top level, adding: “Man Utd are also keen to bring in a top-level defender and are admirers of Murillo’s consistency and composure at Premier League level.” “The Forest star’s profile aligns with Man Utd’s strategy of targeting elite performers at clubs considered to sit below them in terms of stature. However, Forest will be determined to resist interest and retain their key assets.” Final Thoughts Only Bournemouth (43) have conceded more goals than United (36) among the teams in the top 15 of the Premier League table this season, so the defence remains a cause for concern. Should Maguire leave, investing in a proven figure like Murillo could be a wise decision, provided the finances of the deal suit the Red Devils. 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 Deepungsu Pandit Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.