Bruno Fernandes is Manchester United’s talisman and his positioning this season has sparked plenty of debate.
In Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation, Bruno Fernandes has been dropped deeper into a central midfield role this season.
Fernandes continues to shine for United, but his influence in the final third has naturally decreased with his change of position.
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Adam Wharton playing against Albania for England.
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A midfield overhaul is due in 2026, with United linked with Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton as options within the Premier League.
But there are other midfield alternatives on Ineos’ radar, including Atalanta’s Ederson.
Ederson Jose dos Santos Lourenco da Silva of Atalanta BC
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Signing Ederson will improve Bruno Fernandes
United showed interest in Ederson over the summer but ultimately decided to prioritise other positions.
However, a central midfielder is back at the top of the shopping list and Brazilian media claim United could reignite interest in Ederson in 2026.
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According to Flashscore, United have been alerted to Ederson’s availability and are exploring whether a deal is possible in January.
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Manager Ruben Amorim arrives ahead of the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Manchester United at Selhurst Park in 2025 in London, England.
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Not only is Ederson an ideal Casemiro replacement, but United are growing in confidence that Ederson is the “type of midfielder who could help bring the best out of Bruno Fernandes”.
With Fernandes playing deeper, he needs a midfield partner willing to sit back and protect the defence, as well as be willing to cover plenty of ground if United are caught in possession.
How much Ederson will cost Man United in 2026
The likes of Anderson, Baleba and Wharton could end up costing United up to £100 million next summer.
Ederson is a much cheaper alternative. Reports suggest Ederson is available for £43m.
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Previous reports claimed that Atalanta were holding out for over £61m, but there is a growing acceptance that the Brazilian midfielder could leave in 2026.
Ederson only has 18 months remaining on his contract at Atalanta, so the Serie A side are under increasing pressure to cash in on him or risk losing him for free.
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