Manchester United are aiming to give Michael Carrick greater squad depth ahead of the 2026/27 season as they prepare for a campaign across four competitions.
With Casemiro departing, United are keen to add quality in midfield. Manuel Ugarte, who has struggled since his 2024 arrival, could be allowed to leave on loan or on a permanent deal.
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Former Liverpool-linked midfielder Ederson is attracting interest from Manchester United. The Brazilian was previously linked with a move to Liverpool in the summer of 2024, but a transfer could now materialise elsewhere.
According to The Guardian, Man United have agreed a deal to sign the Atalanta midfielder for a fee that could rise to around £37m as they look to strengthen their squad.
United director of football Jason Wilcox has monitored Ederson closely and is a strong admirer. Personal terms are not expected to be an issue for the 26-year-old, who has not been selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ederson has spent four seasons at Atalanta, featuring in the Champions League over the past two campaigns and winning the Europa League in 2024.
He is unlikely to be United’s only midfield signing, with Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson also an option, although he is believed to prefer a move to Manchester City. Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni is also under consideration.
Atalanta manager Raffaele Palladino confirmed last week that Ederson did not play against Fiorentina because a “major club” is tracking him. Palladino stated: “Ederson didn’t play today because there’s a concrete negotiations with a top club”.
This season, Ederson has registered 59 tackles, 28 interceptions, and 62 possession recoveries in the defensive third in Serie A, placing him among the top 15 in his position across those metrics.
A move for the Brazil international would represent a major boost for Michael Carrick, who has prioritised strengthening his midfield. Ederson’s profile is viewed as an ideal fit for Carrick’s system, offering defensive stability and high-intensity pressing.
Ederson made 41 appearances this season and has been one of Serie A’s most consistent performers. His potential arrival would underline United’s intent to compete at the highest level again, providing a proven ball-winner to anchor the midfield in Europe.