Manchester United: Early Ederson deal spares Michael Carrick after Brazil announcement
Manchester United will be relieved to have already agreed a deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson.
The 26-year-old is set to move to Old Trafford this summer in a deal worth £35million, as a replacement for the departed Casemiro.
Originally not in Brazil's final World Cup squad, Ederson has now been included following an injury to Wesley, and becomes the sixth midfielder Carlo Ancelotti will take to the tournament.
A strong World Cup campaign always raises the value of a player and increases interest in their signature, so Man United will be delighted they have acted early to secure the Brazilian.
Man United's need to add a couple more midfielders to the squad, and strengthen other positions, means Michael Carrick will not have wanted to spend a large chunk of his transfer budget all on one player.
Man United's summer business could be restricted
Ederson started 26 Atalanta games this season and had strong defensive stats as the Italian club finished seventh in Serie A.
It is the first step in Man United's plans to bolster their squad ahead of their return to the Champions League, which will boost Carrick's ability to spend this summer.
However, Man United still face mounting debt behind the scenes, and still need to keep a watchful eye on their finances.
Player sales could be required to make way for signings, whilst former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness told Football Insider that Man United could face concerns if 25% wage increases are handed out across the squad.
Which Man United midfielder is expected to leave this summer?
Ederson's arrival at Man United is expected to accelerate the departure of midfielder Manuel Ugarte.
Man United could fetch up to £35m for Ugarte, a loss on the £50.5m they paid PSG for the Uruguayan in 2024.
Ugarte is not in Carrick's plans at the club, and the 25-year-old will look to use the World Cup as a platform for his next move.
Having only started eight Premier League games across the 2025-26 campaign, Ugarte needs to find more regular playing time elsewhere away from Old Trafford, whilst Ederson is set to limit his opportunities further.