Why Man Utd want to sign £60m midfielder

Manchester United’s achievements in the 2025/26 season simply cannot be understated, especially after the struggles under Ruben Amorim at the start of the campaign.

Michael Carrick led the Red Devils on a run of just two losses in his 17 Premier League outings – subsequently leading the club to a third-place finish.

The aforementioned finish secured the 44-year-old the manager’s job on a permanent basis, but next term will be when he is judged most by the hierarchy and supporters.

He will no doubt have huge funds to spend during the remainder of the transfer window – but it’s vital any additions made are up to the level required for success.

However, it appears as though one of their current transfer targets won’t be making the move to Old Trafford despite a long and continuous saga.

Why Ederson’s Man Utd deal is now in huge doubt

Over recent months, Man Utd have been hugely linked with a deal to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson, despite the player being at the ongoing World Cup.

It was even reported at one stage that a full agreement had been reached between the player and the two clubs – leading to a £40m deal being mooted for his signature.

Such a deal was on the verge of being completed, depending on the outcome of the player’s medical, but his checks have seemingly raised some issues with Carrick’s side.

After his latest medical in Manchester, the Red Devils have decided to walk away from proceedings, and the deal is now in huge jeopardy of completely falling apart.

His current employers have stated that the 27-year-old is still 100% fit and doesn’t have any current injury issues which could have derailed any transfer to Old Trafford.

Issues may have arisen from a meniscus injury Ederson suffered back in 2025, but it’s currently unclear as to the full reason why United have walked away from a deal.

Multiple other sources have stated that Carrick’s men are yet to pull out of a transfer for the Brazilian, but the next few days will be vital to see if a move can still be completed.

The player who’d wipe the floor with Ederson at United

Missing out on Ederson will be a bitter blow for INEOS and United, especially considering the long-standing pursuit for his signature throughout the summer window.

The need for a new central midfielder is at the top of the club’s agenda for the current market, with a huge hole at the heart of side following Casemiro’s departure at the end of June.

Ederson isn’t the only option currently being considered by the recruitment team, with Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi another in their sights at present.

It’s been reported by talkSPORT that United have already been in talks with the player’s representatives over the possibility of a move to Old Trafford this window.

Speaking on their YouTube channel in recent days, journalist Ben Jacobs stated: “Manchester City are seriously considering a move, Manchester United are there as well, having made an inquiry.

“I’m also told Bayern are among the interested parties; Chelsea also appreciate the player. We will get more movement on his future now Morocco’s exit is confirmed.”

A deal for Bouaddi over Ederson could be a blessing in disguise for the Red Devils, with the 18-year-old massively outperforming the Brazilian throughout the 2025/26 campaign.

Bouaddi, who’s been dubbed “exceptional” by analyst Ben Mattinson, managed to make more tackles per 90, whilst achieving a better ground duel success rate.

Both of the aforementioned areas highlight his dominance without the ball, something which Carrick’s side desperately need after Casemiro’s departure.

In possession, the teenager also dominated Ederson, subsequently completing more of the dribbles attempted and creating more chances per 90.

His dribble success rate ranks him in the top 15% of all midfielders in Europe’s top-five leagues, which could make him the perfect orchestrator at the base of United’s midfield.

£60m for an 18-year-old would be a huge investment for Carrick’s side, but it’s a deal which could set them up for many years to come in the Premier League.

Missing out on Ederson may be a disappointment at present, but it could prove to be a blessing in disguise if the hierarchy can secure a move for Bouaddi this window.