- Manchester United eye up Atalanta midfielder
- Brazilian has excelled in Italy
- Arsenal also interested
Manchester United are firmly in the race to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson, with the Red Devils actively tracking the Brazilian.
United could swoop for the Brazil international to replace another. Casemerio is set to leave when his contract expires in June, and the club are moving to reinforce the midfield with a host of new additions.
Manuel Ugarte could also be heading for the exit, having done little to convince during his 20-month spell in Manchester. Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly reached the decision to sell after watching his shambolic display in United’s 2-1 defeat to rivals Leeds United.
The club’s top target is Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, but with the Englishman seemingly favouring a move to Manchester City, United are exploring alternatives to replace their departing five-time Champions League winner.
A number of names have made the shortlist, yet Ederson presents a valuable opportunity to secure a more cost-effective deal, allowing United to allocate heavier investment elsewhere in midfield this summer.
Ederson Eyed by United
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Manchester United are closely monitoring Ederson, with two additional clubs also in the frame. Atletico Madrid have already agreed personal terms with the player, although no formal contact between the clubs has yet taken place.
With the summer window opening on 15 June, now just weeks away, United must move decisively if they are to secure the midfielder. However, competition remains fierce.
Despite boasting a stacked midfield featuring Declan Rice, Mikel Merino, and Christian Norgaard, Arsenal are still pushing to strengthen further. They continue to monitor the Brazilian’s situation closely.
As a high-intensity, box-to-box midfielder, Ederson would bring real value to this United side. With Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes likely to operate alongside any new arrival, United require a midfielder capable of shielding both players, tracking back defensively, and contributing offensively.
Casemiro has delivered across all three aspects this season, and replacing that profile will not be straightforward.
Is Ederson the answer?
On paper, Ederson, dubbed ‘out of this world’, fits much of the brief. At 26, he aligns with INEOS’s recruitment model, which targets players approaching their prime.
He remains strong in ground duels, winning 55%, and has the ability to advance play and contribute in attacking phases—although his return of 1 goal from 4xG highlights areas for improvement in front of goal, which can be refined.
However, a significant issue remains as the Brazilian struggles aerially. Mainoo wins just 38% of his aerial duels—a notably low figure in the modern game, and it is not a natural strength in his profile.
In an era increasingly shaped by direct play and transitional battles, opposition midfields would target that weakness if paired with another aerially limited player.
And that is precisely the concern with Ederson, who wins just 43% of his aerial duels. Compared to Anderson, who boasts a far stronger 59% success rate, he falls short in a crucial area.
Unless United’s coaching staff can significantly develop that side of his game, the potential acquisition begins to look far less convincing.
