Manchester United's transfer business over the last two summers has shown a clear pattern that INEOS has tried to implement, following the mixed success of their first summer in 2024. 

Data has played a major role, but the club seems to be focusing mainly on one area in each window. In 2025, the aim was clearly to overhaul the attack, leading to three forward signings and a goalkeeper after Andre Onana's loan exit. 

Then again, in 2026, despite other problem areas, midfield was the main theme, with three midfielders brought in alongside a goalkeeper due to the loan exits of Onana and Altay Bayindir. 

Using this theme, it is no surprise that rumours are beginning to emerge about 2027 being the year of the defensive overhaul. 

Nottingham Forest defender Murillo was once one of the hottest defensive properties in the league, especially in his first season at the club in 2023, when he won the club's Player of the Year award for the 23/24 season. 

While other names have perhaps usurped him on the list of the league's best defenders, with players like Morgan Gibbs-White and, previously, Elliot Anderson receiving more hype, the Brazilian has continued to be a stalwart for Forest. 

It is no surprise that, according to Tribal Football, Manchester United continues to monitor the Brazilian for a move next summer, with rivals such as Liverpool and Chelsea also interested. 

However, given that his fee was set at around £60-£70 million if the club had been relegated, the fact that they remain in the Premier League and are likely to do so for the coming season could see Murillo's transfer fee eclipse the record £80 million United paid for Harry Maguire in 2019 in order to replace him.

Tribal Football also reported that Jarred Branthwaite, another player they had been tracking for a while, could be on a shortlist in the summer. 

It's not just Maguire who may need to be wary about United bringing in new defenders next summer – Lisandro Martinez is another player who will be on edge.

On his day, Martinez is one of the league's best centre-backs, and he's proven it time and time again. The issue has always been the impact of the severe injuries he had between 2023 and 2025, and whether he can reach the same level he showed when he first joined, and for his country. 

It is interesting that both Murillo and Branthwaite are both left-footed centrebacks that operate on the left side of the defence, with Murillo also capable of filling in at left-back. 

With Ayden Heaven still young and slowly featuring more, it is easy to see United opting to stick with him going forward if Martinez cannot return to his best levels this season. 

The Argentinian's contract expires in 2027, but the club has the option to extend to 2028 which you would expect the club to take to protect his value. But it does pose a question, given the links to players in his position, about how secure his future is as a nailed-on starter going forward.