Manchester United's £100 million center-back duo has only partnered for 8 minutes, alternating injuries before both getting injured together! Might sign Nottingham Forest's iron defender as replacement.

Manchester United spent nearly £100 million to sign Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt, both center-backs at their peak age, expected to form an ideal defensive partnership at Old Trafford. However, contrary to expectations, they either get injured alternately or together, rarely having the chance to play simultaneously. Now, Carrick can only rely on the 33-year-old veteran Harry Maguire and the 20-year-old youngster Lenny Yoro.

Statistics show that the 28-year-old Martinez and the 26-year-old de Ligt have only partnered for 8 minutes in the last 14 months, during the final moments of the 2-1 away win against Crystal Palace in late November. At that time, Martinez returned from injury as a substitute and helped de Ligt secure the victory.

However, after that match, de Ligt was sidelined due to injury, and his return remains uncertain. Shortly afterward, Martinez also suffered a calf injury, joining de Ligt in the medical room. Manchester United initially predicted he would miss only one game, but it has now extended to four matches; he will be unavailable for the crucial Premier League top-three battle against Aston Villa at home.

The last time Martinez and de Ligt started together was in January 2024, two years ago. They helped Manchester United win 2-0 away against Bucharest Star in the Europa League.

It is worth noting that in the subsequent match against Crystal Palace, Martinez suffered a severe ACL tear, sidelining him until November last year. Their "alternating injuries" are not exaggerated.

This is clearly not the situation Manchester United envisioned when signing them. Former manager Erik ten Hag brought in his two former Ajax players, hoping to build another solid center-back pairing, similar to Bruce and Pallister, Stam and Ronny Johnsen, Rio Ferdinand and Vidic during Ferguson's era, as the foundation for the team's championship ambitions.

Martinez joined Manchester United from Ajax in 2022 for an initial fee of £48.3 million, with additional clauses worth £8.4 million; two years later, de Ligt arrived from Bayern Munich for £38.4 million, plus £4.3 million in potential bonuses. Together, they cost the club £99 million, but both lack physical stability.

Martinez was outstanding in his first season at United, while de Ligt was once an "iron man" with full attendance this season, unfortunately, neither situation lasted. Especially Martinez, who has missed nearly 100 games over three and a half years. If he misses the Villa match, it will be his 95th absence.

De Ligt has also missed 26 games in the past year and a half; his current back injury, initially described by former manager Ruben Amorim as requiring only one missed match, has now lasted over three and a half months without recovery. Moreover, de Ligt has been close to returning to training several times but suffered recurring pain, forcing him to continue resting.

When de Ligt was injured, Maguire stepped up admirably; his excellent performance might compel United to offer him a new contract, requiring agreement on salary reduction and contract duration.

Maguire's partners are young Yoro or Haeven, but they were supposed to be backups for Martinez and de Ligt—one representing the past, the other two future stars. Now, United must reconsider transfer plans, possibly signing a new center-back in the next two or three transfer windows.

The "i Paper" reports that Manchester United has begun compiling a list of center-back candidates to provide reliable defensive security for the team next season and beyond. Buying a center-back wasn't originally considered, but injury circumstances forced them to change their stance.

Reports indicate it's still in early stages, but Nottingham Forest's Murillo has become a player of interest to Manchester United. He is much cheaper than previously rumored Tottenham defender Van de Ven and more grounded. Sir Jim Ratcliffe's management team believes the 23-year-old Brazilian's Premier League experience is a major advantage, and United's transfer department also appreciates his youth and humility.

Murillo was the Premier League's top clearance maker last season; recently, in the final moments of a match against Manchester City, he blocked a potential winning shot on the goal line, ensuring Forest secured a 2-2 draw.

Murillo renewed his contract until 2029 in January 2025 and isn't eager to transfer. However, if Nottingham Forest faces relegation, the situation could change. Liverpool, Chelsea, and even Real Madrid are also interested, particularly monitoring Premier League relegation developments.

Nottingham Forest paid only £15 million to sign Murillo from Brazilian Corinthians, but they might demand a high price of £70 million. Murillo has played 104 games for the club and was once voted the club's Player of the Year. His Transfermarkt valuation is €50 million, so a £70 million asking price isn't unreasonable.

Murillo revealed that Chelsea invited him in 2024, but he declined, choosing to develop at Nottingham Forest. However, he dreams of joining a top club to participate in the Champions League and compete for titles. "I dreamed of playing in the Premier League since childhood; when joining Nottingham Forest, I thought about playing well for a few years before moving to a top club. I've always envisioned this."