Manchester United are stepping up their succession planning in defence as uncertainty grows around Harry Maguire’s future at Old Trafford. With the England international increasingly linked to a potential departure, the club is now ready to activate plans to bring in Nottingham Forest centre-back Murillo as a long-term replacement.
Murillo has emerged as one of the Premier League’s standout defenders this season, earning widespread praise for his composure, physical strength, and ability to dominate duels. At Forest, he has been regarded as the backbone of their defence, quickly establishing himself as a leader despite his age. United’s recruitment team see him as a defender capable of adapting seamlessly to the demands and pressure that come with playing for a club of United’s stature.
Sources suggest United are prepared to move decisively if Maguire’s exit gathers momentum, with Murillo viewed as a priority target rather than a backup option. His comfort on the ball, positional intelligence, and aggression align well with the profile United are seeking as they reshape their back line ahead of next season.
Nottingham Forest are expected to resist any approach, knowing Murillo’s importance to their project, but United believe the player may be tempted by the opportunity to play at a higher level and compete regularly in European competition. Discussions are expected to accelerate once clarity is reached on Maguire’s situation.
As the transfer window approaches, this potential move highlights United’s intent to refresh their squad proactively rather than react late. If Maguire does depart, Murillo could quickly become central to the next phase of Manchester United’s defensive rebuild.
