Manchester United are monitoring Nottingham Forest duo Murillo and Elliot Anderson as part of a proposed £150 million double recruitment drive, according to reports from GiveMeSport and Football Fancast. The interest comes amid a structural overhaul led by INEOS, though any deal for Murillo is complicated by the 23-year-old Brazilian defender signing a contract extension at the City Ground in May 2026 that runs until June 2030. While Nottingham Forest value Anderson, 23, at £100 million following his recent breakthrough into the England senior squad, United have already begun background checks on Murillo to address long-standing defensive instability.
Contract status and Forest’s valuation
Forest have moved aggressively to protect their assets, securing Murillo’s future with a significant extension that complicates any immediate exit. Speaking on the new deal, Murillo noted that the renewal reflected the club's "confidence" in him, while Forest Global Technical Director George Syrianos described the centre-back as "one of the best players in his position." This extension follows Forest's broader strategy of retaining key talent to push for European qualification, a stance supported by their refusal to sanction cut-price deals. According to ESPN, United’s interest in the Brazilian persists despite these hurdles, as the club views him as a long-term solution to a backline frequently disrupted by injuries to Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt.
Tactical rationale and squad overhaul
The pursuit of Anderson and Murillo aligns with United’s need to replace ageing central figures, specifically with Casemiro expected to depart. Anderson provides the high-intensity midfield profile favoured by the current INEOS-led recruitment strategy, while Murillo offers the left-footed balance United have lacked during Martinez's absences. Despite United's interest being described by some outlets as nearing advanced stages, interim manager Michael Carrick has remained cautious. In a recent press conference, Carrick stated that the current squad depth was "not an area of concern," highlighting the "mixed blend of experience and quality" already at his disposal. However, with Harry Maguire's future uncertain and the club seeking to avoid the PSR restrictions that hampered previous windows, United are also reportedly tracking former Forest midfielder Danilo, now at Botafogo, as a £35 million alternative.
Whether United can tempt Forest into a sale remains dependent on their ability to meet a combined valuation that would exceed the £140 million Arsenal paid for Declan Rice.