Manchester United are poised to take a major step toward completing their first signing of the summer transfer window, with Brazil international Ederson set to undergo a medical in New York. The Atalanta midfielder was an unused substitute in Brazil's opening Group C match against Morocco, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
Ederson was called into the Selecao squad after an injury to Wesley, and his eagerly anticipated move to United had virtually been agreed before that. Michael Carrick is aiming to strengthen a squad that currently appears ill-equipped for the demands of domestic and European commitments next season.
Midfield Priority
Having lost Casemiro, reinforcing the midfield is a top priority for Carrick. The addition of Ederson, assuming he passes his medical, represents a solid start to United's transfer business at a cost of £35 million, according to corrieredellosport.
However, United and Carrick are ready to concede defeat in their attempts to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest. The England international is set to join Manchester City in a deal that could exceed £120 million.
Other Targets
Several other midfielders, including Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton, and Alex Scott, remain on United's radar. However, according to Fabrizio Romano, the club are likely to drop their interest in Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali. The Italy international, also wanted by Arsenal and Juventus, along with his Newcastle teammate Lewis Hall—another primary United target—would cost a combined fee of between £120 million and £130 million, which is deemed too expensive.
World Cup Implications
Whether United will get a glimpse of Ederson in action at the World Cup remains uncertain, but his chances of featuring may have improved after Brazil's lackluster start to the tournament. Carlo Ancelotti's side were left with questions after a disjointed display in which they were repeatedly stretched by Morocco's pace and movement.
“I don’t think we started the match well. The team was a bit nervous, we lost possession too often and lost too many challenges. The first half wasn’t good,” said Ancelotti, who noted improvement after the break. “It improved in the second half; it’s a tough match because Morocco are a good side. I think there was a bit of nervousness. In the first half they were breaking out of our press and making dangerous counter-attacks.”
Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi added: “If you’re asking me if I want to have the same trajectory (as in 2022), no, I want to go beyond the semi-finals this time. This was one point but we hoped to have more. One point is good enough and we will improve.”
