Ederson is on the verge of becoming Manchester United’s latest signing from Serie A, after establishing himself as a key player at Atalanta.
Manchester United have targeted and signed many players from the top division in Italy over the years. The most infamous case involved former Inter Milan star Wesley Sneijder because it went on for years, and he never joined.
Atalanta’s Ederson will hope he’s not involved in something similar. An agreement has been reached for a deal worth £38m, with the 26-year-old set to become Michael Carrick’s first signing.
Without further ado, United In Focus is going to rate each of the club’s last five signings from Serie A with one of three verdicts: hit, the jury is still out, miss. Only time will tell how Ederson will fare in the Premier League.
What is your INSTANT REACTION to Manchester United’s deal for Ederson?
Patrick Dorgu
Although Patrick Dorgu missed a chunk of Carrick’s first five months in charge as interim head coach, the Denmark international still managed to score three goals in as many starts under the 44-year-old.
Most observers remain unsure whether the former Lecce star will develop into a left back or left winger, as he’s got the ability to play both roles, but at United, his job will be to master one to reach the top of his game in the coming years.
Dorgu is a raw talent, but one that can change games. In another year, we could be talking about a hit for Ineos, though he still has a lot more to prove before earning such a status.
Verdict: The jury is still out
Joshua Zirkzee
It’s hard to see any positives from Joshua Zirkzee remaining at United beyond this summer.
As a forward who doesn’t score, Zirkzee’s link-up play can only go so far.
The best scenario for United would be if the former Bologna forward found a new club in the transfer window. That would free up some wages to sign a back-up striker who knows how to find the back of the net.
Zirkzee has scored nine goals in 75 appearances since signing for United.
Verdict: Miss
Sofyan Amrabat
Arriving on loan following a heroic role in Morocco’s 2022 World Cup campaign, Sofyan Amrabat formed a reunion with Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.
Amrabat made 30 appearances across all competitions, including 10 starts in the Premier League, but the highlight was his performance in the triumphant FA Cup final against Man City.
Overall, he struggled to cope with the pace of the Premier League and was routinely bypassed in midfield.
The Moroccan didn’t do enough to warrant a permanent deal at United.
Verdict: Miss
Rasmus Hojlund
There was a lot of responsibility put on Rasmus Hojlund’s shoulders when he arrived at United for a big transfer fee.
Instead of signing Harry Kane, Ten Hag settled for Hojlund, but the young striker only had an injury-prone Anthony Martial for competition in his first season.
Hojlund didn’t score enough goals (26) in his two seasons at United. It’s a shame because he never shied away from his childhood admiration for the club.
Verdict: Miss
Now the Ederson deal is agreed… WHO SHOULD BE MAN UTD’S NEXT TARGET?
Let us know who should be signing number two…
Andre Onana
United spent £43.8m on Andre Onana, a year after he signed for Inter Milan as a free agent.
He arrived shortly after playing in a Champions League final, but immediately struggled as United’s first-choice goalkeeper despite keeping the role for two years.
Onana spent last season on loan at Trabzonspor, but he will go down as one of the worst goalkeepers in United’s history, considering the amount he cost.
Verdict: Miss
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
