The i reports that Manchester United have been forced to rethink their plans following injuries to Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez. Work is underway to address the issue in the summer transfer market. Matthijs de Ligt was initially expected to return from his back problem before the turn of the year, but three-and-a-half months on, there are no signs of an imminent comeback.
Lisandro Martinez has been sidelined with a calf injury since the 1-1 draw with West Ham. Martinez suffered a slight reaction in training and is now expected to play no part in Sunday's match against Aston Villa. His injury is not deemed overly serious, but United are keen to avoid rushing him back before full fitness.
Leny Yoro has slotted in alongside Harry Maguire for United's last three games. According to the i, United have begun to draw up a shortlist of centre-backs to provide more reliable cover next season. Strengthening at centre-back was not initially a priority, but club bosses have altered their stance due to injury woes.
Nottingham Forest's Murillo has become a player of interest for United. Murillo's experience in the Premier League is viewed as a major plus by INEOS. Murillo signed a new contract at Forest in January 2025, tying him to the club until 2029.
He is not actively seeking an escape route from Forest as it stands, but this could change if relegation-threatened Forest lose their fight for Premier League survival this season. Chelsea, Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich have also been credited with an interest in Murillo. Forest will be demanding a fee in excess of £70 million for Murillo in the summer transfer window.