Manchester United are unlikely to be in a position to offer Sandro Tonali and Ederson their current squad numbers should the pair make the move to Old Trafford this summer. Michael Carrick is eager to bring in midfield reinforcements early to fill the void left by the departing Casemiro and other potential exits.
Midfield Targets Identified
Reports indicate that Newcastle's Tonali and Serie A standout Ederson are firmly at the top of United's wishlist. TalkSPORT claim that United have reached a verbal agreement with Atalanta star Ederson on a five-year deal. It is understood that talks are progressing between the two clubs over a £43million move. Tonali has also been strongly linked with a move to United in recent months, with Newcastle's failure to secure European football giving the Red Devils a significant advantage in their pursuit.
The Magpies are demanding a hefty £86million for the Italian midfielder but could be persuaded to sell given their lowly Premier League position. Reports from Italy suggest United are confident of securing both signings.
Squad Number Conflicts
Ederson has just 12 months remaining on his Atalanta contract, yet the Serie A outfit appears to be holding firm on their asking price. Should United commit a combined £129m on the two midfielders, they will be keen to settle them into the squad as swiftly as possible. However, both players' preferred squad numbers are currently taken, meaning that a potential welcoming gesture is simply not an option.
Tonali has sported the number eight throughout his time at AC Milan and Newcastle, but Bruno Fernandes currently holds that shirt at United. Fernandes has held the number since the 2022/23 season, having worn No.18 during his first three years at the club. The United skipper also previously donned his current number at Sporting CP and Udinese, and is, without question, Carrick's standout performer. The Portugal international has been linked with a departure on previous occasions, but shows no signs of leaving Old Trafford any time soon. The number 18 shirt has become available following Casemiro's exit, and Tonali could potentially claim it.
Ederson, meanwhile, has worn the No.13 throughout his entire spell at Atalanta. He has worn No.15 and No.40 at former clubs, but has been sporting the same number for the past six years. However, Patrick Dorgu claimed that shirt upon joining United in the 2025 winter transfer window and has worn it throughout his senior professional career. Dorgu is currently contracted until at least 2030.
Alternative Options
The next available number to Ederson's preferred digit is 12, following confirmation of Tyrell Malacia's departure from the club. No.19 and No.22 are also free should the Brazilian opt for a fresh start at United. Both Fernandes and Dorgu appear to feature prominently in Carrick's long-term thinking as he maps out United's future. The former club captain's permanent appointment was confirmed earlier this month, and he will be keen to help any new arrivals bed in smoothly. However, Carrick will need more than just squad numbers on his side if he is to pull off a double swoop by landing both Tonali and Ederson this summer.
