Ederson to Manchester United looks like a formality at this point, as talks over the Brazilian continue to advance.
While Ederson is not the signing that absolutely everyone wants in midfield this summer, Manchester United do want to sign him, and a deal is progressing.
United are said to be in advanced talks to sign Ederson from the Serie A outfit, with a fee of £34.5m being reported, making him the ‘C-tier’ midfielder of the three Ineos want.
Ederson isn’t considered a Casemiro replacement, instead viewed as a squad rotational midfield signing. But there is one aspect of his game which is among the best in Europe.
Ederson thinks highly of his qualities – Which Man Utd player does he remind YOU of?
A physical monster who dominates both boxes. Any past or present Man Utd player comes to mind?
Ederson’s progressive passing explains Manchester United interest
Ederson is a weird target for United, with Rio Ferdinand a big fan, but most of the fanbase is not quite sold on the midfielder, who, on the surface, doesn’t seem like a smart signing.
Serie A is a risky league to do business in, as seen with Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund.
But when looking at Ederson’s progression, it is a clear strength that United will have been fans of.
This season, Ederson has averaged 5.09 progressive passes into the final third per 90, which places him in the top seven per cent of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues, according to Statman Dave.
Having such a high level of progressive passing puts Ederson in a really positive light when compared to how he has been made out.
Many assume Ederson is just another Manuel Ugarte, but that couldn’t be further from the truth, with his passing quality the biggest difference.
Ederson is good on the ball in deep, good at progressing play, while also being press-resistant. Not only on the ball, but Ederson also shines in his mobility and athleticism.
What are your thoughts on Ederson being linked to Man Utd? Is he what we need?
Ederson would be an excellent squad option for Manchester United
With Ederson, United would be signing a reliable 7/10 every week midfielder, with more qualities that can see him trusted over the profile of Ugarte.
This season, Ugarte has a horrendous record when on the pitch for United, often leading to complete control being lost as he struggles with the intensity of Premier League football.
But Ederson has qualities to suggest he won’t struggle, and Michael Carrick could rely on him from the bench even in the highest-level games.
One big issue this season was the reliance on Casemiro, so adding midfielders who can plug in and play with other combinations and in any game state is a vital part of this summer.
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