It’s not just this season that Manchester United could save by winning their Europa League final with Tottenham on Wednesday. Victory for Ruben Amorim’s side will go a long way to appeasing fans after a wretched Premier League campaign, and secure a first European trophy since Jose Mourinho prevailed in the same competition eight years ago.
Furthermore, Europa League glory would also mean qualification for next season’s Champions League. That would provide the club with a much-needed financial windfall and inevitably alter Amorim’s summer transfer plans. It would also enable the Portuguese boss to follow through on the club’s interest in a leading Serie A star.
United have been linked with another move for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, after failing to land the Brazilian last year. The 25-year-old has excelled in Italy this season, pivotal in helping the club already guarantee third place with just two league games remaining.
That position signifies their best Serie A campaign in the past four years. It also means Gian Piero Gasperini’s side will dine at Europe’s top table in 2025/26, meaning United almost certainly have to match that feat if they are to hold out any hope of snaring Ederson.
The 25-year-old still has two years left on his current deal and is likely to command a fee of around £50million. United’s failed pursuit last summer was followed by the signing of Manuel Ugarte from PSG, but the Uruguayan international has struggled to settle in England.
Revitalising their interest in Ederson appears to be a sign that the club is already prepared to cut their losses on the 25-year-old. If the ex-Salernitana star can be persuaded to head to Manchester, Ugarte is unlikely to be the only midfield casualty either.
Christian Eriksen’s contract expires this summer, and he is widely expected to leave Old Trafford. The arrival of Ederson is also likely to accelerate Casemiro’s exit, as the Real Madrid icon has struggled badly with consistent form and fitness these past two seasons.
Amorim’s insistence upon his favoured 3-4-3 formation means he only tends to deploy two central midfielders. Signing Ederson would still mean a healthy depth in that position, even if the trio were released, with skipper Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, and Mason Mount already in his squad.