Lack of consensus among the United hierarchy over top midfield target could scupper Amorim’s plans – report

Manchester United’s top brass are reportedly divided over whether to make a move for one of the club’s main transfer targets, Atalanta midfielder Ederson.

Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg reiterates that he has “once again been told” that the Brazilian powerhouse is “one of the few names Manchester United are seriously considering for the central midfield position.”

Ederson has carried his fine form at the Bergamo side into the current campaign, and with Atalanta topping Serie A currently, he is drawing admiring glances from all across Europe.

However, Plettenberg relays that the jury is still out on the 25-year-old, suggesting United may look elsewhere on their shortlist for reinforcement in the middle of the park.

Plettenberg said: “Some decision-makers are fully convinced of his abilities. However, there is not yet a complete consensus within the club.”

With United desperate to put a halt to their slapdash recruitment drives, it would therefore be a surprise to push through a major signing with question marks lingering before the player even touches down.

🚨🔴 Once again been told that #Ederson is one of the few names Manchester United are seriously considering for the central midfield position ✔️

Some decision-makers are fully convinced of his abilities. However, there is not yet a complete consensus within the club. For this… pic.twitter.com/CvFBzgmMQ5

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) December 19, 2024

For that reason, Plettenberg said, “there are no concrete negotiations at this stage,” indicating that the Red Devils are keeping their options open for now.

Should there be a change of heart from the doubters at Old Trafford, the club seem able to move relatively quickly, with the journalist confirming that they “have gathered all the necessary information and have scouted him multiple times.”

Ederson, who is under contract at Atalanta until 2027, would likely cost up to €60m. He is in his prime and would be expected to hit the ground running.

The Brazilian would bring strength and energy to the United midfield, where he would likely join Manuel Ugarte in an all-action midfield, with Kobbie Mainoo an option to provide a little more craft and guile.

Senior options in that position Casemiro and Christian Eriksen are widely expected to leave the club, most likely at the end of the season, so arrivals are inevitable.

Ruben Amorim demands intensity across the board, and while United may ultimately look elsewhere, that is something that Ederson would provide should he change minds and earn himself an Old Trafford move.

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