Ederson: Man United ramp up pursuit of Atlanta midfield monster
Ederson: Man United ramp up pursuit of Atlanta midfield monster Manchester United’s hunt for midfield reinforcements has led them to reignite a move for Atalanta dynamo Ederson, according to a new report. Midfield is the priority The Red Devils are prioritising a long-overdue overhaul of their midfield unit this summer. Despite an impressive return to form under interim coach Michael Carrick , Casemiro ‘s contract has not been renewed and the 34-year-old Brazilian will leave Old Trafford at the end of the campaign.
This will leave Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo as the only two senior options in the middle of the pitch, given that Bruno Fernandes has been redeployed in his rightful position as a No. 10 by Carrick. However, Ugarte’s form since his £50.
5 million switch from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024 has been abject, with the Uruguay international failing to adapt to the physicality and speed of English football. Consequently, at least two new options in midfield will be signed this summer, with the potential for a third should Ugarte follow Casemiro through the exit door. The club’s primary targets are a cohort of the Premier League’s finest options – Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Sandro Tonali (Newcastle), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace) and Carlos Baleba (Brighton & Hove Albion).
However, all four of these leading candidates will prove costly purchases, with fierce competition expected for each player from clubs elsewhere in the country. As such, United are also considering players on the continent for the second midfield signing – which has led to Ederson re-emerging as a serious option. United make contact United hold a long-standing interest in the 26-year-old Brazil international, who has established himself as one of Serie A’s best enforcers since arriving at Atalanta in 2022.
He is described as a “relentless workhorse” capable of playing in a double pivot against three-man midfields, such is his work-rate. But the Italian side’s prohibitive price tag, worth as high as £65m, deterred the Red Devils from advancing a deal last year. However, a report relayed by The Peoples Person earlier this month revealed Atalanta are now willing to consider offers as low as £26m for their prized asset, given he only has twelve months remaining on his contract come the summer.