Patrice Evra has sent an important message to Ederson ahead of his eagerly awaited transfer to Manchester United, but the same warning applies to every player moving to Old Trafford.
The 2026 World Cup has reached the quarter-final stages, after Brazil crashed out following a 2-1 defeat against Norway in the round of 16.
That means two things for Manchester United: 1) Matheus Cunha can return for pre-season training earlier than expected, and 2) Ederson can finally complete his medical and transfer from Atalanta.
United’s business won’t stop with one midfielder this summer. Fans will hope to see more market activity from the club in the following weeks.
Did you learn anything from Matheus Cunha’s performances for Brazil at the World Cup?
Do you have a message for Matheus now Brazil have been eliminated?
Patrice Evra message to Ederson ahead of Man Utd transfer
At the beginning of June, United reached an agreement with Atalanta to sign Ederson for £35m.
Then, Ederson received a late call-up to join the Brazil squad for the World Cup, which delayed proceedings without any reason to panic.
It’s a deal that will help United strengthen the midfield area after saying goodbye to fellow Brazil international Casemiro this summer. Still, the hard work only really starts when Ederson begins life at the club.
Ederson played multiple midfield roles at Atalanta, scoring 16 goals in 180 games across all competitions.
United believe Ederson has done enough in Italy to warrant a £35m move; however, the 26-year-old will need to prove himself again after joining a new club in a different league.
Former United left-back Patrice Evra has shared his verdict on Ederson in an interview with Stake, stressing that the player’s character will be a huge factor when he moves to Old Trafford.
“I like Ederson – his ability got him the move but his character will decide if he stays or not,” Evra said.
“Old Trafford is different. Talent alone is not enough. Every touch is judged. Every mistake is bigger. That’s the reality of playing for Manchester United.
“If Ederson arrives, I like the midfield profile: energy, physicality, duels, intensity. But the Premier League will test him every week, and the Manchester United shirt will test him even more.
“Carrick can help him because Michael is calm and understands the game. But the player has to listen, work and accept the demands. At United, ability gets you through the door. Character keeps you there.”
Evra’s message applies to any player joining United this summer. That explains why the club conducts thorough background checks on each target, following years of questionable recruitment.
It doesn’t matter if we’re talking about Ederson or a big-name player like Aurelien Tchouameni, who has won the Champions League and World Cup. Finding the right characters is essential for United to take the next step and challenge for the Premier League.
- ⚡️ NEWS IN BRIEF
- Patrice Evra warns Ederson it takes more than talent to be successful at Manchester United
- Ederson is expected to complete his medical at United following Brazil’s elimination from the World Cup
- Evra believes Michael Carrick can help Ederson at Old Trafford
Man Utd are looking at signing Andrey Santos from Chelsea… What is your verdict?
What is your advice to Ineos on the state of the transfer window so far?
Ederson’s 2026 World Cup in numbers
After a late call-up to the Brazil squad for the World Cup, Ederson was always going to play a bit-part role under Carlo Ancelotti.
The soon-to-be United midfielder made two substitute appearances at the tournament.
Ederson’s first game came in the group phase as Brazil beat Haiti 3-0, with Cunha scoring a brace.
The midfielder also came off the bench in Brazil’s 2-1 defeat against Norway.
Ederson played a total of 20 minutes for Brazil at the World Cup.
Although after signing for United this summer, Ederson will be aiming for a more prominent role in the Brazil team.
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