Manchester United’s priority this summer was always going to be central midfield. It was an area they’d hoped to strengthen last year. Casemiro’s departure combined with question marks over Manuel Ugarte’s Old Trafford future means they need to rectify a somewhat problem position sooner rather than later.
And with the 2026 World Cup a week away, United are closing in on their first midfield signing. While Elliot Anderson is unattainable for the time being, with the Nottingham Forest man seemingly on the cusp of a move to rivals Manchester City, Atalanta star Ederson is set for his own high-profile switch to United after a fee was agreed between the clubs.
The 26-year-old Brazilian, not included in Carlo Ancelotti’s World Cup squad, has previously been linked with a move to England. Liverpool have been connected with the Brazilian previously. However, it’s United that are set to clinch a move for Ederson. The Atalanta man might not be the entire answer to the club’s midfield issues, but he’s certainly a step in the right direction.
Indeed, he brings the much-needed dynamism to the midfield that had previously been found wanting. Ugarte is a handy ball-winner, but the Uruguayan is limited beyond the ability to get around the pitch and put in challenges. The inability to get the ball forward once he regains possession is a huge weakness to Ugarte’s game.
The addition of Ederson, though, should go some way to rectifying this issue. Ederson, after all, averaged 14.8 forward passes per 90 in Serie A last season compared to Ugarte’s 13.1, according to Squawka. The former’s average fell below compatriot Casemiro (19.6); however, this can be attributed to United seeing less of the ball (51.6%) than Atalanta (54.9%) in their respective leagues last season.
Atalanta showed a greater willingness to retain the ball in Serie A. They were a little more patient in possession, whereas United were more active in their efforts to get the ball upfield as quickly as possible, with 41 shots following a counter attack ranked fourth in the Premier League last season.
Even so, Ederson showed a real desire to quickly transition from defence to attack when required in Italy’s top tier last term. This was not only evident by the number of forward passes, but also the chances created haul.
Ederson created 1.1 chances per 90 in the 2025-26 Serie A season. It was a shade lower than Casemiro (1.3) but far higher than Ugarte (0.4). Of course, Ederson isn’t there to provide the ammunition for the attacking players. That’s what Bruno Fernandes is for. Having a midfielder to readily feed the United skipper is what’s vital. The man to play the pass before the pass that leads to a goal.
So, too, is having a midfielder capable of getting about the pitch to rob opponents of possession. Admittedly, Ederson’s return of 2.4 tackles per 90 fell below Casemiro (3.1) and Ugarte (4.7), but he made up for that with a superior ground duel success rate (56.5%). The dip in tackles per 90 can again be attributed to United having a lower possession return than Atalanta.
He’s an all-action midfield dynamo that should slot in seamlessly alongside Kobbie Mainoo at the base of Carrick’s favoured 4-2-3-1 setup. They’ve upgraded on Ugarte and then some with the addition of Ederson. He’ll provide the requisite defensive resolve to help shield the backline.
In addition, he’ll complement Mainoo well. The England international is a player who thrives with the freedom to push forward. He’s a handy ball carrier that offers United an attacking alternative through the middle, and he operates best alongside with a more defensive minded partner.
Mainoo and United will benefit from the capture of a midfielder of Ederson’s skillset as he provides both the defensive knowhow and the ability to get the ball forward.
However, it can’t be a case that United sign Ederson and turn their attention elsewhere. The return of European football, and a first season in the expanded Champions League, means Carrick needs more options in such a key area.
If United see out the summer window having landed only Ederson, then it could be a recipe for disaster, especially if - as expected - Ugarte departs. To put it simply - he is a piece of United’s midfield puzzle.
Ederson, though, is a key fit in the middle of the park for now. He’s at the right age in that he’s experienced but has more to offer. His skillset suits the Premier League too. All things considered, he should thrive at Old Trafford.
