The transfer window may only officially open in the Premier League today, but Manchester United have already sealed one piece of business this summer. Ederson hasn't yet put pen to paper and confirmed his move to Old Trafford, but the 26-year-old will become a United player imminently. A fee of £35million plus £3.8million in add-ons has been struck with Atalanta and the Brazilian midfielder will pen a contract until 2030, with the option of an additional year.
He represents the opening component of the midfield overhaul this summer and it is that part of the pitch that continues to occupy minds at United. With Casemiro departing and plans in place to offload Manuel Ugarte, two more could still materialise. It appears virtually guaranteed that Elliot Anderson won't be amongst them. United have withdrawn from that transfer battle, with Manchester City having a bid worth as much as £120million turned down.
Midfield Targets
Instead, United's present attention is on Mateus Fernandes. They are spearheading the pursuit for West Ham's 21-year-old midfielder and will attempt to negotiate with the Hammers regarding their demands for more than £80million, reports the Manchester Evening News. Beyond Fernandes, United maintain an interest in Carlos Baleba at Brighton and Bournemouth's Alex Scott as they seek to restructure their midfield.
Left-Back Priority
Whether they acquire a third midfielder will hinge on efforts to sell Ugarte, with Galatasaray amongst the clubs showing interest. United would favour a sale, but could conclude with a loan that includes an obligation to buy. Aside from the midfield, a left-back is also high on the agenda as backup for Luke Shaw. United have their sights set on Lewis Hall at Newcastle and would favour bringing in a younger left-back to eventually take over from Shaw.
That role is now deemed more urgent than the left-wing, although there remains interest in Morgan Rogers at Aston Villa and Everton's Iliman Ndiaye, with Premier League experience seen as a plus by recruitment bosses at Old Trafford. Securing an experienced striker to support Benjamin Sesko is also on the cards, especially if Joshua Zirkzee departs. While Zirkzee isn't agitating for a move as he was six months ago, he hasn't seen much action under Carrick and could be offered more regular first-team football elsewhere.
Outgoings: Rashford and Onana
In other news, United face a challenging task of orchestrating exits for some of their top earners. Andre Onana will return from a loan spell at Trabzonspor but has no future at the club, with Senne Lammens now firmly established as the No1. The situation with Marcus Rashford is even more complex. As one of the club's highest earners, offloading his £325,000-a-week wage bill will be tricky, particularly with Barcelona opting for Antony Gordon instead.
There will be suitors for Rashford this summer, with United not intending to reintegrate him into the squad, but any deal will necessitate extensive negotiation and compromise. Bayern Munich are among those showing interest, while clubs in the Premier League are also keeping tabs on Rashford's situation.
Goalkeeping Changes
In addition to Onana, there could be a few more departures from the goalkeeping ranks at Old Trafford. Altay Bayindir is eager to move on in search of regular first-team action, while it might be an opportune moment to cash in on 22-year-old Radek Vitek, who has had a stellar loan spell at Bristol City. Vitek is keen to play consistently rather than warm the bench as a number two, which will open up a slot for a reserve goalkeeper. Karl Darlow and Sam Johnstone are among numerous names being considered as United mull over their goalkeeping options.
