Manchester United are progressing with a deal worth around £38 million to sign 26-year-old midfielder Ederson from Atalanta, with an expectation the transfer will be completed before the World Cup starts on June 11. The Brazilian's absence from the national squad removes time pressure, but the club aims to finalise the move as the first piece of a midfield rebuild that could see at least two new arrivals this summer.
Ederson, an all-rounder capable of playing as a deep-lying midfielder or pushing forward, is seen as a versatile option for Michael Carrick's side. He could fill either of the two No. 6 roles often occupied by Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo last season. The deal signals the start of a planned overhaul, with Manuel Ugarte expected to leave Old Trafford.
United are also monitoring other midfield targets. They maintain strong interest in West Ham's Mateus Fernandes, who will leave after the Hammers' relegation, though competition from Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain is expected. Middlesbrough's Hayden Hackney has also been linked, having developed under Carrick at Teesside.
The centrepiece of the window remains finding a replacement for Casemiro. While Elliot Anderson has long been the top target, the 23-year-old is now more likely to join Manchester City for upwards of £100 million. Aurelien Tchouameni has emerged as an alternative, though signing him from Real Madrid will be challenging. Interest in Sandro Tonali has cooled, and United will not push for Carlos Baleba if Brighton's price remains high. Adam Wharton was overlooked for England's World Cup squad, but internal questions persist about his suitability alongside Mainoo.
United's biggest midfield signing of the summer remains a mystery, but the club recognises the need to get it right. Momentum is building after a strong end to the Premier League season, where United took 39 points from their final 17 games—the most of any team. However, that run was aided by no European football and early cup exits. With a return to the Champions League next season, a deeper squad is essential, and the midfield additions will play a pivotal role. The quality of the starting XI, particularly the No. 6 alongside Mainoo, will determine success in Europe and at home.
