Ruben Amorim has tried out multiple midfield combinations since taking over Manchester United and he is yet to zero in on his perfect partnership with multiple changes expected in the summer.
In the last two Premier League games, Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro have started in the middle of the park and while they have provided plenty of steel, the duo have lacked pace and the ability to progress with the ball.
Which is why the head coach has often dropped Bruno Fernandes back into the middle of the park to provide the silk alongwith the steel.
But ideally the club skipper is much more dangerous as an attacking midfielder and hence, changes are needed once the transfer window opens.
Midfield revamp
The in-form Brazilian no longer has the legs to play week in and week out and given his humongous wages, INEOS are desperate to get rid of him before the start of the new season.
Christian Eriksen’s contract is up and he is expected to be leaving England while Kobbie Mainoo’s future is up in the air with the England international yet to agree a new contract while his fitness levels have also been questioned.
Signing someone who can play alongside Ugarte, while also providing the ball progression ability will be what Amorim will be looking for and Atalanta’s Ederson fits the bill perfectly.
The Brazilian ranks in the 97th percentile for successful long balls, 95th percentile for successful passes and 94th percentile for touches in the opposition box (all stats via fotmob).
Ederson perfect fit
Not to mention his defensive work-rate, ranking in the 97th percentile for duels won and interceptions while also figuring in the 98th percentile for ball recoveries and possession won back in the final third.
The 25-year-old has four goals and two assists this season and has a price tag in the region of £52 million with the midfielder having two years left on his current deal.
However, given the Old Trafford side are also looking at adding a striker, wingback, as well as an attacking midfielder, such an extensive outlay might only be possible if they qualify for the Champions League next season.
This update comes via Givemesport with the report claiming United will attempt to beat off competition for the Brazil international, dubbed “the new Casemiro” only if they win the Europa League this season.
CL football a must
“Manchester United are ready to sign Ederson if they succeed in bagging a place in next season’s Champions League, according to GMS sources, as Amorim is determined to find a new midfield partner for Ugarte amid lingering doubts over academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo’s long-term future.
“The central midfielder is preparing to enter the final two years of a contract which allows him to pocket close to £42,000-per-week at the Gewiss Stadium, and the Red Devils will look to use that to their advantage if they enter discussions over a switch to Old Trafford when the transfer window reopens.
“Ederson has a lot of the characteristics that Manchester United are seeking as they look to bring in fresh protection in front of the backline, GMS sources have learned, but they may need strong negotiating skills to reach an agreement as Atalanta are keen to avoid letting him head through the exit door on the cheap.”
If this scenario is to come true, United must vanquish Olympique Lyonnais on Thursday in the all-important Europa League quarter-final. United’s ultimate budget and the players they can target will depend on whether they can provide European football to prospective candidates.
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
