---
title: "‘I’m surprised’ – Don Hutchison questions Manchester United transfer decision"
canonical: "https://readmanutd.com/2026/08/02/im-surprised-don-hutchison-questions-manchester-united-transfer-decision/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Chettle"
section: "Man Utd News"
published: "2026-08-02T12:00:00Z"
modified: "2026-08-02T12:00:00Z"
---

# ‘I’m surprised’ – Don Hutchison questions Manchester United transfer decision

**Manchester United have been told they may have made a mistake by abandoning their move for Atalanta midfielder Ederson.**

Former Premier League midfielder Don Hutchison remains a major admirer of the Brazilian and believes the Manchester United Ederson transfer would have improved Michael Carrick’s squad.

United had agreed a package worth around £38million with Atalanta before concerns emerged during the medical process following Ederson’s return from the World Cup.

The club subsequently withdrew from the deal rather than accepting the previously agreed terms.

> 🚨 United hoped to sign Ederson from Atalanta in Italy and terms were agreed. The Old Trafford club felt they had an excellent deal, signing him for a reasonable fee given he only had a year of his contract left, but an issue was flagged in a first medical and United decided NOT… [pic.twitter.com/OVvfsoUxAt](https://t.co/OVvfsoUxAt)
>
> — SimplyUtd (@SimplyUtd) [July 26, 2026](https://x.com/SimplyUtd/status/2081298743064694885?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## Manchester United Ederson transfer decision questioned

Speaking on ESPN, Hutchison admitted he was surprised United did not eventually revive their pursuit.

“I’m surprised they didn’t go back for Ederson,” he said.

Hutchison described the 27-year-old as an “outstanding player” capable of improving the players around him.

United have instead strengthened their midfield with Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, although Carrick could still add another option before the window closes.

The decision on Ederson was based on medical concerns rather than doubts over his footballing ability.

[ReadManUtd previously detailed the concerns discovered during Ederson’s medical](https://readmanutd.com/2026/07/10/ederson-man-utd-medical-doubts/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), with United having to decide whether the risk justified proceeding with a significant investment.

The deal was ultimately abandoned.

Ederson has since committed his future to Atalanta. [beIN Sports confirmed the midfielder signed a new contract until June 2031](https://www.beinsports.com/en-us/soccer/serie-a/articles/ederson-signs-new-atalanta-contract-following-collapse-of-man-utd-move-2026-07-17?utm_source=chatgpt.com) following the collapse of his proposed Old Trafford switch.

Hutchison may disagree with United’s decision, but the club’s medical staff clearly believed proceeding carried too much risk.

How Ederson performs for Atalanta over the coming seasons will ultimately determine whether walking away proves to have been a sensible decision or a costly missed opportunity.