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Manchester United are reportedly considering an approach for Atalanta midfielder Ederson – a long-term target described as “highly valued” by the club’s recruitment department.
Florian Plettenberg (Sky Sports DE) reveals the Red Devils are “discussing” a move for the Brazilian international and may seek to strike as early as the “winter transfer window.”
Tweet: “Manchester United are discussing and considering #Éderson, a player who is highly valued internally. The club is looking for reinforcement in his position, possibly as early as the winter transfer window. #MUFC The 25-year-old central midfielder has a contract with Atalanta Bergamo until 2027. One to watch …”
The German reporter contends central midfield is a priority the club are seeking a “reinforcement” in as targets are identified to help new head coach Ruben Amorim implement his unique philosophy.
Amorim, 39, begins life at the helm at United tomorrow as his side travels to Portman Road to face Ipswich Town for the late afternoon kick off.
The Portuguese coach employs a 3-4-3 system which requires mobile midfielders capable of covering large distances with strong work rates.
United’s existing cohort in the centre of the pitch – Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte – do not necessarily excel in this approach, outside of Ugarte, who previously shone under Amorim during their shared time at Sporting Lisbon.
Furthermore, Casemiro and Eriksen are both set to turn 33 in February, with neither player excelling in open spaces in midfield.
As such, a player with the physical capabilities of Ederson, who combines size and speed in a potent pairing, is a logical target for United, who have a long-standing interest in the 25-year-old midfielder.
The club were strongly linked with a move for Ederson in the summer, though ultimately settled on Ugarte after a protracted pursuit of the Paris Saint-Germain star.
Ugarte has not begun life in England with aplomb, often appearing to struggle with the speed and intensity of Premier League football. However, there will be optimism at Old Trafford that a reunion with his former manager at Sporting will help the Uruguayan international recapture the form he showed in Portugal.
Nonetheless, the fact that both Eriksen and Casemiro appear likely to depart the club next summer means a new midfielder will become an urgent priority.
Ederson’s combative style appears tailor made for both the rigours of English football and the demands Amorim places on his midfielders.
The 39-year-old has spoken of the improvements in “speed and intensity” from his new squad, with sources revealing he “could not believe” the lack of these attributes during training sessions at Carrington this week.
Ederson, who produced back-to-back monstrous displays in the heart of Atalanta’s midfield during their Europa League success last season, is the antidote to this issue for United – just ask the Liverpool squad.
Plettenberg describes a pursuit of the Serie A star as “one to watch” for Red Devils fans who may be able to enjoy a late Christmas present with a Brazilian twist when the transfer window opens on January 1.
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