The £35 million acquisition of midfielder Ederson from Atalanta is the latest step in Manchester United’s quest to build a title-winning squad.
Reputable football betting sites rate United as 13/2 shots to win the Premier League next season, but those odds could vanish if they secure their other transfer targets.
Bookmakers will probably be pondering whether to cut United’s odds in the outright betting now they have secured Brazilian midfielder’s services.
With that in mind, read on as we assess why Ederson could be the catalyst for United to mount a sustained title challenge next season.
Ederson’s journey to Old Trafford makes him a man to be feared
Ederson will become Michael Carrick’s first signing as United’s permanent manager. The club beat off competition from Atletico Madrid to get a deal over the line.
His journey to Old Trafford has not been easy, but is one which should have a seismic impact on the club’s fortunes over the next few years.
Ederson started his senior career in the Brazilian third-tier, before progressing through the ranks in his homeland. He signed for Italian club Salernitana in January 2022.
He completed a £20m move to Atalanta just five months later and became a key figure as Atalanta won the 2023/24 Europa League title by beating Bayer Leverkusen.
The midfielder earned his first international call-up in May 2024, but he has only won three caps for Brazil and missed out on their squad for this summer’s World Cup.
Ederson has previously spoken in the Italian media about being born into poverty in the city of Campo Grande in Brazil, and his rise up the ranks is a remarkable story.
These factors are elements which should work in United’s favour. He not only has a point to prove, but is driven by the need to support his family.
Brazil’s loss should prove to be United’s gain
Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti recently omitted Ederson from his World Cup squad, which means he will arrive in Manchester refreshed and ready for action.
He is effectively a direct replacement for Casemiro, possessing similar ability on the ball but offering more dynamism around the field than his compatriot.
Ederson is also a clear upgrade on Manuel Ugarte, who has failed to live up to expectations since joining the club from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024.
South American football expert Tim Vickery has closely monitored Ederson’s career and believes he will be a big hit for the Red Devils.
“He is a midfielder in the mould of Newcastle's Bruno Guimaraes,” Vickery told the BBC.
“After three splendid seasons in Italy with Atalanta, Ederson would seem overdue for a move - and may blame his final season in Serie A for missing out on the World Cup.
“Old Trafford calls for big personalities, and the good news for United fans is Ederson has dealt well with difficult circumstances.”
Ederson should bring out the best in Mainoo
Kobbie Mainoo forged a productive partnership with Casemiro during the second half of the season and should be the perfect foil for Ederson.
Mainoo was criminally underused by former manager Ruben Amorim, but proved his worth after Carrick restored him to the team.
Ederson and Mainoo will undoubtedly have competition, with United expected to sign another top-class midfielder during the summer transfer window.
Sandro Tonali, Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and Mateus Fernandes are amongst the players linked with United, and each of them would be solid signings.
In the short term, United can bask in the glory of signing one of their primary transfer targets before the end of May. |
