Ederson confirms true progress of Man United transfer moments after World Cup appearance

Manchester United have agreed a deal with Serie A side Atalanta that will see midfielder Ederson become the first signing of the Michael Carrick era

Ederson has confirmed that a move to Manchester United is ‘almost all sorted’. United agreed a deal with Atalanta earlier this month to sign the midfielder, who looks set to become the first signing of the Michael Carrick era at Old Trafford.

United are set to pay an initial €40.5million (£35m), plus €4.5m (£3.8m) in add-ons for the 26-year-old. United’s need to bolster their midfield this summer is no secret, with mainstay Casemiro departing when his contract expires at the end of June.

Ederson earned a late call-up to Brazil’s squad for the World Cup in place of the injured Wesley. He made his World Cup debut off the bench in the 3-0 win over Haiti on Friday night and provided an update on where things stand in terms of his move to Old Trafford.

Speaking to Tuttosport, he said: “It’s practically almost all sorted.” Before he added: “I have to make the most of this moment. I am here and it is a wonderful thing, something you must always live to the fullest.”

However, the 26-year-old is not expected to be the only addition for United this summer. The Reds have also been linked with Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton, albeit the former now looks set for a move to rivals Manchester City instead.

West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes had also been identified as a potential target for the club, but it appears that United have been beaten to his services by Tottenham Hotspur, who are reportedly close to agreeing a deal.

Speaking about the club’s midfield dilemma, former United coach Rene Meulensteen said: “United need to sign at least two, if not three midfielders this transfer window. That’s the position where they have to really, really strengthen, especially with more competitions coming up.

“Now, that could be Ederson or Anderson. They’ve got similar qualities, but Anderson comes with a massive price tag, which makes you really question whether or not they can realistically go for him, so Anderson might be out of reach for United this summer.

“Anderson has obviously had an outstanding season, and he’s gained interest from the biggest clubs in the league. Which just makes his price just go up and up and up, and then it’s a matter of who is willing and who is capable of paying that price.

“I don’t think Man United will pay that for Anderson. I think they do have funds, but to spend so much money on one player, it would be a big shout. I always like good, technical footballers in the midfield.

“I’ve liked Adam Wharton for United for a while now, because he is so good on the ball, very calm under pressure. He finds any of those front five with one decisive pass, and he rips the opposition right open, and I love that.”