STADIO GIUSEPPE MEAZZA, MILANO, ITALY – 2026/05/10: Ederson Jose of Atalanta Bc gestures during the Serie A football match between Ac Milan and Atalanta BC . Atalanta Bc wins 3-2 over Ac Milan. (Photo by Marco Canoniero/LightRocket via Getty Images)
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Central midfield was always expected to be a priority for Manchester United this summer and so it has already proved with the Old Trafford club reportedly close to agreeing a deal for the signing of Ederson. The Brazilian will arrive in the Premier League after making a name for himself at Atalanta in Serie A.
Michael Carrick needs more squad depth this coming season. Last season, United was only in domestic competitions, meaning Carrick had more time to prepare for league games. His players were fitter for those matches and that may have had an impact on the team’s strong finish to the campaign.
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – MAY 24: Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United, applauds the fans after the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester United at the Amex Stadium on May 24, 2026 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
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In 2026/27, Manchester United will be back in the Champions League and so Carrick needs more options, particularly in the centre of the pitch after the departure of Casemiro. The veteran had been a key figure for United and so Ederson has joined the club with big boots to fill.
At Atalanta, Ederson earned himself a reputation for being one of the best box-to-box operators in Serie A. He has played in the Italian top flight for a number of seasons and has proved himself at Champions League-level too. For the reported fee of $47m, the signing of Ederson appears to be good value.
Manchester United needs more than just Ederson to bulk out its midfield unit for the start of next season. The Old Trafford club has been linked with Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali as well as Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, both of whom won’t be involved at this summer’s World Cup.
RED BULL ARENA, LEIPZIG, GERMANY – 2026/05/27: Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace FC lifts the trophy during the award ceremony following the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 final football match between Crystal Palace FC and Rayo Vallecano de Madrid. Crystal Palace FC won 1-0 over Rayo Vallecano de Madrid. (Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images)
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This could make it easier for United to strike a deal for either player. Other targets might be at the tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico and this could be a motivating factor in the players Manchester United ends up moving for over the coming weeks before the start of pre-season.
While United has made progress under Carrick, next season will bring new challenges. Manchester United must build on the second half of the 2025/26 season it strung together to keep moving towards the stated aim of one day being at the level to compete for the Premier League title again.
The capture of Ederson might help United get there, but more is required. It’s not just central midfielders that must be on the shopping list. Carrick needs a left back and a left winger. Marcus Rashford could return from a loan spell at Barcelona, but Manchester United has a lot of work to do in the summer window.