Manchester United are poised to take a significant step towards completing their first signing of the transfer window, with Brazil World Cup star Ederson set to undergo a medical in New York. The Atalanta midfielder was an unused substitute during Brazil's opening Group C match against Morocco, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
Ederson's Path to United
Ederson was called into the Selecao squad following an injury to Wesley, and his eagerly anticipated move to United had virtually been agreed prior to that. Manager Michael Carrick is keen to make substantial additions to a squad that currently appears ill-equipped to handle the demands of both domestic and European competitions next season.
Midfield Priority
Having lost Casemiro, strengthening in midfield is a priority for Carrick. The addition of Ederson, assuming he passes his medical as reported by Corriere dello Sport, represents a solid start to United's transfer business at a cost of £35 million.
However, United and Carrick are ready to admit defeat in their attempts to recruit Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest. The England international is set to join Manchester City in a move that could ultimately cost over £120 million.
Other Midfield Targets
A number of other midfielders, including Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton, and Alex Scott, remain on United's radar. However, according to Fabrizio Romano, the club are likely to drop their interest in Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali. The Italy international, also coveted by Arsenal and Juventus, and his Newcastle teammate Lewis Hall, another primary United target, would command a combined fee of between £120 million and £130 million, which is deemed too expensive.
World Cup Implications
Whether United will get a glimpse of Ederson in action at the World Cup remains to be seen, but the prospect of him featuring may have been enhanced after Brazil's lacklustre start to the tournament. Coach Carlo Ancelotti's side were left with questions to answer after a disjointed display in which they were repeatedly stretched by Morocco's pace and movement.
“I don't think we started the match well, the team was a bit nervous, we lost possession too often and lost too many challenges. The first half wasn't good,” said Ancelotti, who noted that his side improved after the break. “It improved in the second half; it's a tough match because Morocco are a good side. I think there was a bit of nervousness. In the first half they were breaking out of our press and making dangerous counter-attacks.”
His Morocco counterpart Mohamed Ouahbi added: “If you're asking me if I want to have the same trajectory (as in 2022), no, I want to go beyond the semi-finals this time. This was one point but we hoped to have more. One point is good enough and we will improve.”
