Man Utd clinch £35m Ederson deal as Carrick begins midfield rebuild

Manchester United have agreed a £35m fee with Atalanta for Brazilian midfielder Ederson, marking the club's first signing since Michael Carrick was appointed permanent head coach. The 26-year-old will sign a four-year contract with an option to extend by another 12 months, subject to a medical and final paperwork expected in early July before pre-season training begins.

The deal includes an additional £3.9m in performance-related payments. Ederson becomes the first of up to three central midfield additions Carrick is targeting this summer, after Casemiro's departure weakens that area. The 34-year-old compatriot's contract expires at the end of June.

Ederson has proven versatile across central midfield roles for Atalanta, scoring 16 goals in 180 games across all competitions. Despite earning just three international caps for Brazil, he was included in Carlo Ancelotti's expanded 55-man World Cup squad before missing out on the final selection.

United are also pursuing West Ham's Mateus Fernandes, though the relegated club wants substantial profit on the Portugal midfielder who cost over £40m from Southampton last summer. England's Elliot Anderson is another target, although the Nottingham Forest player reportedly prefers Manchester City.

Beyond midfield, United are searching for a left-sided player, with Newcastle's Lewis Hall among those on their radar. They also want striking support for Benjamin Sesko and must finalise their goalkeeping setup. Radek Vitek, who excelled on loan at Bristol City winning all their player-of-the-year awards, is open to regular football and may not return as back-up to Senne Lammens.

Former first-choice Andre Onana has been told he can leave, though his wage demands may prove challenging despite United's Champions League qualification boosting their revenue.

The Ederson deal reflects United's revamped recruitment approach under minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Former Mercedes Formula One executive Michael Sansoni has overhauled the club's data analysis operation and played a key role in identifying targets alongside director of football Jason Wilcox. Carrick confirmed he's been involved in recruitment meetings since becoming Ruben Amorim's temporary successor in January.