With the transfer window fast approaching, we're examining what could represent the ideal start to the summer for Manchester United
Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United, embraces Casemiro
Manchester United may have found the perfect Casemiro replacement(Image: Getty Images)
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After ending the 2025/26 Premier League season on a high, Manchester United will be eager to carry that momentum into what promises to be a crucial summer transfer window.
Having prioritised reinforcements in attack and defence over the past two years, United's attention is now expected to pivot towards midfield. Several additions are expected to be made, especially with stalwart Casemiro leaving the club after his Old Trafford farewell.
Replacing the Brazilian will be no easy feat but United may already have an ideal like-for-like successor in sight - and for a reasonable price too. Here, the Manchester Evening News takes a closer look at the player who should become United's first signing of the window.
Ederson (no, not that one) has emerged as a top target for the Reds, who have made signing a combative central midfielder their No. 1 transfer priority. The Atalanta star, 26, has been turning heads in Serie A this season, helping his side secure a seventh-placed finish in the league.
The Italian club reportedly value him at around £38.3million, a fee United are more than prepared to pay. It's also understood that the player has not only reached a verbal agreement with Michael Carrick's side but that he has 'paused' transfer talks with other clubs in a bid to secure a move to Manchester.
Atalanta boss Raffaele Palladino recently provided an update on Ederson's future after the midfielder was an unused substitute in their 1-1 draw with Fiorentina on Friday night.
Atalanta midfielder Ederson
Atalanta midfielder Ederson looks poised to join Manchester United(Image: Getty Images)
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Palladino said: "Ederson out? It was a decision we agreed with the boy because there’s something going on in the transfer market.
"The fact that such a player is being followed by such a big club should be a source of pride."
Ederson isn't the only central midfielder on United's radar, with Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson also a prime target. However, with Forest expected to demand upwards of £100m for the England international - and with City also closely monitoring his situation - any potential deal is likely to prove both expensive and difficult to complete.
Ederson on the ball for Atalanta
Ederson has been compared to both Casemiro and Ander Herrera(Image: Getty Images)
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For those unfamiliar with him, Ederson is primarily a ball-winning midfielder but has the athleticism and technical quality to operate in a box-to-box role. He reads the game exceptionally well, consistently racking up impressive tackle and recovery numbers by stepping in to choke opposition transitions before they can properly form.
His relentless energy and upper-body strength make him difficult to shrug off in midfield battles, while his first instinct after regaining possession is almost always to drive forward and launch attacks.
Many have drawn comparisons between Ederson and Arsenal's Declan Rice, while others see elements of both Casemiro and former United favourite Ander Herrera. Either way, signing a player of Ederson's profile - particularly for such a modest fee - would represent an excellent start to the summer transfer window for Manchester United.