Manchester United are interested in signing Nottingham Forest centre-back Murillo as they look to fix their defensive problems, as reported by ESPN.

With United sitting in the Premier League's bottom three, another defender could be high on their list of priorities.

Defensive problems have troubled United throughout the season, and Murillo is not a new name at Old Trafford. He has been linked with the club for much of the past year, but Forest's demands and the timing of a potential deal remain key issues.

Here's why United are interested in the Brazilian defender and what stands in the way of a transfer.

Why United Need Defensive Help

United's results show how much they need to improve. They have won just once in 10 Premier League games, while their 4-4 draw with Aston Villa extended their winless run in the league to eight matches, the longest in their Premier League history.

Late goals from Joshua Zirkzee and Patrick Dorgu rescued a point after United fell two goals behind in the opening five minutes.

Their defensive record is just as worrying. United have conceded first in 10 of their 15 games in all competitions, making them the first team in Europe's top five leagues to concede 30 goals this season.

They have also picked up just one point from their last three games since a 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como, conceding nine goals along the way.

The problem is not just at centre-back. Diogo Dalot has been covering at left-back while Luke Shaw has been out, and United have also been criticised for not signing a specialist in that position during the summer.

What Murillo Would Bring

Murillo, 24, joined Forest from Corinthians in 2023 for around €6 million and has since earned his first Brazil caps. He was also an important part of the Forest side that reached the Europa League semi-finals last season.

His left foot is one of the reasons United are interested. TEAMtalk's Fraser Fletcher wrote in February that Murillo's "left-footedness makes him an appealing fit" for the club. He could give United a natural left-footed option at centre-back, something their current squad lacks.

There are, however, questions about his fitness. A hamstring injury kept him out towards the end of last season, and he was still building up his match fitness after coming on as a late substitute in two of Forest's first three league games this term.

With United already dealing with injuries in defence, this is something they would need to consider.

Price, Timing And The January Question

A January move looks unlikely, with reports pointing towards a possible transfer next summer. Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke says Forest would demand a huge fee and are unlikely to let Murillo leave midway through the season.

United would need to pay a significant amount to sign him in 2027. The reported valuation stands at around €60 million, according to ESPN, roughly ten times the €6 million Forest paid for him.

Other reports have put Forest's asking price between £60 million and £70 million.

Forest's position is strengthened by Murillo's contract. The club announced on 23 May that he had signed a new deal running until the summer of 2030.

United reportedly held talks with Forest over a possible summer move but the defender remained at the City Ground. Liverpool and Real Madrid have also been linked with him. United must also decide who will lead their next transfer plans.