Michael Carrick got off to a perfect start as Manchester United manager yesterday, following his side’s victory over rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford.
The 44-year-old masterminded the victory over Josep Guardiola’s side in the Manchester derby, with goals from Brian Mbeumo and Patrick Dorg being enough to secure bragging rights for supporters.
These results are a testament to the immediate impact his new boss has had in his role, and it appears the board made the right decision to give him the job on a temporary basis.
As a result, the Red Devils bosses could consider handing Carrick some much-needed funds to make the reinforcements he hopes to continue his strong start in his role at the Theater of Dreams.
A number of players have been linked as potential signings in recent days, and parts of the pitch will be reinforced in the coming weeks.
Manchester United eyeing £26m transfer
United’s defensive department is set to improve in the near future, with a number of options currently being considered within the hierarchy.
Nottingham Forest star Murillo is just one of the players they are currently eyeing, but the Brazilian star has been on the radar of a number of Premier League clubs in recent months.
However, any deal is likely to be expensive, with Sean Dyche’s side currently demanding a transfer fee in the region of £70m, subject to parting ways with the centre-back in the near future.
Murillo is not the only option currently being considered by the bosses as they look to strengthen their backline, with Juventus star Pierre Carles also being considered.
According to Calciomercato, the Red Devils are considering a move for the Frenchman this month, but they are not alone in their pursuit of the defender.
The report also states that top-flight sides such as Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur are also firmly in the race to sign the 25-year-old over the duration.
He has also confirmed that his current employers do not want to sell him over the winter period, but could be forced to make a move if an offer of €30 million (approximately £26 million) is made.
Why Karl is better than Murillo for United
Recent rumors emerging from Old Trafford highlight the areas that Carrick and the board are looking to strengthen before the current window closes in two weeks’ time.
In the recent win over Manchester City at Old Trafford, the manager used Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez in the heart of the backline, and the duo kept dangerous Erling Haaland at bay throughout the game.
However, with the former of the aforementioned duo’s contract expiring at the end of this season, the club will have to make a big decision regarding the 32-year-old’s future.
The interim manager has other options such as Matthijs de Ligt, Aiden Haven and Lenny Yolo, but it is clear that more reinforcements are needed.
As mentioned above, Murillo is just one of the options being considered, but his current asking price could be slightly higher than what leaders are willing to pay.
As a result, Kalulu could be a more realistic option, but if you compare his stats to those of the Brazilian, he is dominated in many important areas.
The Frenchman, who was described as “incredible” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, is completing more of his pass attempts while completing around 90 progressive passes.
Comparison of Karl and Murillo in 2025/26 | ||
|---|---|---|
Statistics (every 90) | Rabbit | Murillo |
games played | twenty one | 16 |
goals and assists | 3 | 1 |
Pass accuracy | 87% | 83% |
progressive path | 5.6 | 4.1 |
The tackle I made | 1.6 | 1.5 |
progressive carry | 1.9 | 0.3 |
recovery has taken place | 4.3 | 4.2 |
aerial won | 57% | 56% |
Statistics by FBref | ||
Such numbers demonstrate the Frenchman’s talent with the ball at his feet, and Kalulu has the ball-playing ability needed to fit into United’s current backline.
He also increased his tackles per 90, increased his recoveries per 90, and then showed an advantage without the ball in the defensive third of the pitch.
Other stats, such as his 57% aerial success rate, show his ability to outperform Murillo in the defensive third, making the signing of Kalulu even more meaningful for the Red Devils.
From the statistics compiled, it is clear that the Juventus star is a great ball-playing defender, but it is also clear that he can provide an extra boost to Carrick’s team without the ball.
The Frenchman is also currently a very cheap option, with the division able to acquire Kalulu for more than twice as cheap as Murillo.
If he can replicate the skill set he had in Serie A this season in a move to the Premier League, such a deal could be incredible and allow Carrick to continue his strong start.
Mainu wasn’t alone: ’Beckham-like’ Manchester United star made Amorim look ridiculous
Michael Carrick’s Man United dominated their neighbors and claimed bragging rights in the Premier League.
