Manchester United have been linked with numerous midfielders who could bolster the ranks this summer.
With Casemiro and Christian Eriksen both on Ineos‘ exit list after the 2024/25 season concludes, there will be space in the squad for a new No.8.
Manuel Ugarte and Bruno Fernandes are Ruben Amorim’s first-choice pairing right now in the centre of the park, but additions are needed.
Manchester United have been linked with several options already.
One midfielder often linked to United is Chris Rigg, with the teenage phenomenon from Sunderland wowing scouts all season long.
Sverre Nypan is another United target for the midfield. United scouts have been watching Hayden Hackney in action this season.
However, one link is also refusing to go away as Jason Wilcox no doubt considers multiple potential deals.
Manchester United leading the race to sign Ederson
With some very talented youngsters being tipped to be on United’s radar this summer in midfield, a more developed option is also on the table.
This comes in the form of Atalanta’s Ederson who United have been linked with over the past few months. United are said to be battling Real Madrid to sign Ederson, a deal which could be a long-term replacement for Casemiro.
Now, there has been a development with Calcio Mercato reporting that despite Juventus being ‘crazy’ about Ederson, United led the race.
The Italian outlet claims that United have the best chances of securing Ederson, as he continues to not agree on a new contract with the Lombardy-based side.
United have already informed Atalanta that they are prepared to make a €60m (£50m) offer this summer, an important figure which could tempt the Serie A giants.
The fee is a doubtful part of this story, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe confirming Amorim has a transfer budget to use – but with the finances in peril, it cannot be very much.
How Ederson has been playing for Atalanta this season
With options limited for Manchester United in terms of midfielders capable of playing in Amorim’s system, Ederson would be a massive upgrade, as his stats from this season in Serie A demonstrate.
Ederson’s Serie A stats 2024/25
| Stat | # | Percentile |
| Goals | 3 | 86th |
| Expected assists | 4.16 | 98th |
| Pass accuracy | 87.8% | 73rd |
| Chances created | 27 | 90th |
| Long pass accuracy | 64.8% | 73rd |
| Tackles won | 25 | 87th |
| Duels won | 137 | 97th |
| Aerial duels won | 37 | 95th |
| Interceptions | 32 | 97th |
| Recoveries | 146 | 98th |
| Possession won in final third | 16 | 98th |
Italian footballing legend, Fabio Capello, told La Gazzetta dello Sport in December that the Brazilian is a fantastic footballer, a testament to his impressive season.
“He is out of this world for his ability to combine running, physicality, technique and intelligence”.
Ederson would improve United’s midfield, but the fee is rather substantial considering the financial issues at Old Trafford.
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