Manchester United have intensified their pursuit of Atalanta midfielder Ederson, 26, as interim manager Michael Carrick pushes for his first major signing of the 2026 summer window. According to reports from FootballTransfers and the Mirror, the Premier League club has offered the Brazilian a contract worth approximately £140,000-a-week gross, with a transfer fee expected to land between €45m and €50m (£39m–£43m). Simultaneously, United are understood to be monitoring Real Madrid's Aurélien Tchouaméni, 26, following a reported internal dispute at the Spanish club, as INEOS prepares to replace the outgoing Casemiro.
Carrick influences recruitment as permanent role beckons
Having secured Champions League qualification following a 3-2 victory over Liverpool, Carrick is being consulted by INEOS leadership on the club's transfer direction. While his permanent status remains unconfirmed, his preference for Ederson signals a desire for technical security in the pivot. The Brazilian has become a priority as he enters the final year of his contract in Bergamo, presenting a valuation advantage over other targets. Speaking on his future recently, Carrick noted that "clarity is important moving forward," a sentiment that reflects the need to settle the managerial situation before committing to the reported £40m-plus outlay for the Atalanta man. This move comes as United implement a strict £250,000-a-week wage cap for new arrivals under the guidance of Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada.
The tactical shift to replace Casemiro
The pursuit of both Ederson and Tchouaméni highlights a decisive pivot away from the ageing Casemiro, who is set to depart Old Trafford at the end of the current campaign. While Fabrizio Romano, speaking on recent transfer updates, described Tchouaméni as a "dream target" for United, any deal for the Frenchman would likely require a fee significantly higher than the Ederson package, potentially exceeding the £70m Real Madrid paid Monaco in 2022. Ederson offers a more immediate, cost-effective solution for a squad that has struggled for midfield balance; his high defensive work rate and ball progression figures in Serie A this season contrast with the declining physical metrics of United’s current veteran options. With interest in Chelsea's Cole Palmer reportedly ruled out by INEOS, the focus remains firmly on reinforcing the central spine to support Carrick’s tactical framework.
United are expected to formalise their bid for Ederson once the managerial position is officially resolved in the coming weeks.