Manchester United move closer to signing Atalanta star Ederson as Ruben Amorim reveals midfield plan
Manchester United are reportedly stepping up their pursuit of Atalanta midfielder Ederson, with manager Ruben Amorim identifying the Brazilian as a key piece in his plan to reshape the team’s midfield alongside Manuel Ugarte.
The Red Devils’ Premier League campaign has been far from ideal, with the team currently sitting 15th in the table after a disappointing defeat to Brentford. Despite the struggles, there is optimism within the club that a strong finish to the season could restore momentum — especially with a potential Europa League final appearance on the horizon.
United took a commanding 3-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final at San Mamés Barria, leaving them as firm favourites to reach the final.
Amorim’s target: Ederson
According to GiveMeSport, Manchester United have “moved one step closer” to making a formal offer for Ederson. The midfielder has been a long-term target, with TEAMtalk’s Italian correspondent Rudy Galetti first reporting United’s interest in February 2025.
Atalanta value the 25-year-old at around £50 million, but reports suggest United are confident they can negotiate a deal for a lower fee. Amorim sees Ederson as a “quick-fix solution” to reinforce the physicality and stability in midfield — an area where United have struggled to maintain consistency in domestic competition despite strong performances in Europe.
Amorim’s midfield blueprint
Amorim’s tactical vision involves pairing Ederson with recent signing Manuel Ugarte, forming a high-energy double pivot capable of dominating possession and pressing aggressively. The Portuguese manager believes Ederson’s blend of athleticism, intelligence, and technical quality makes him the ideal partner for Ugarte.
According to the report, the club view Ederson as either a complementary midfielder or a direct replacement for Ugarte when unavailable through injury or suspension.
Ederson’s record and rise
Since joining Atalanta in 2022, Ederson has developed into one of Serie A’s most complete midfielders. He has featured 136 times for the Italian club, scoring 13 goals and assisting four, while also playing a vital role in their Europa League triumph in 2023–24.
This season alone, the Brazilian has contributed five goals and two assists in 46 appearances across all competitions, helping Atalanta climb to third place in Serie A with 68 points from 35 matches.
His all-round qualities have drawn high praise from football icons, with Fabio Capello describing him as “out of this world for his ability to combine running, physicality, technique, and intelligence” in La Gazzetta dello Sport last December.
What’s next
While United’s focus remains on finishing the season strongly and securing European qualification, preparations for the summer transfer window are already underway. Ederson is now seen as a priority target, with negotiations expected to progress in the coming weeks.
If completed, the signing would mark the first major addition under Ruben Amorim’s tenure — a move designed to bring greater balance, energy, and tactical versatility to Manchester United’s midfield heading into the 2025–26 season.
