Man Utd have opened talks to sign the £80m star alongside Ederson

Manchester United are not standing still, they are already looking to secure more summer players ahead of the summer transfer market.

It’s not over the line, but INEOS are hoping to secure the signature of Atalanta midfielder Ederson in the coming weeks, with reports claiming the player has rejected approaches from rivals.

This could be a sign of change. Ederson, 26, has been described as “the most powerful midfielder in the world” by former team-mate Damiano Er Faina.

There is a real sense that United have the potential to challenge for the Premier League title next season. To some, that may seem far-fetched, but there’s a lot to like about Carrick’s property, especially when you consider that INEOS are aiming for even more exciting targets in the middle of the park.

Man United are lining up a midfield signing after Ederson

With Casemiro leaving Inter Miami this summer, a signing of Ederson’s caliber could make a huge difference to a team that has already found itself back in the Champions League.

Sure, Kobbie Mainoo has re-emerged under Carrick’s wing, having been sidelined by the gaffer’s predecessor, but there is still something missing in the middle of the Old Trafford park.

Bruno Fernandes has been at his best this season, putting in the campaign of the season, but he needs more support, especially now that he finds himself in the final third, stuck in the middle under Amorim’s wing.

According to the Daily Mail, Manchester United have made an inquiry about Mateus Fernandes of West Ham United, who is expected to leave the London Stadium this summer.

The 21-year-old has emerged as one of the most exciting midfielders in the division, but United are not the only ones interested, with Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain also keeping an eye on him.

West Ham want £80m for the versatile midfielder, but with their Premier League status recently snatched away, United will want to make a more subtle bid.

Why Fernandes could be an upgrade for Mainoo at Man Utd

Fernandes is as good as his Manchester United namesake, but he is one of the most talented young midfielders in the Premier League, with the ability to complement another signing like Ederson while adding to Carrick’s midfield.

Football writer Joost van der Leij already considers him a “star”, certainly a bright light during a difficult campaign for the Hammers.

The 21-year-old may be more talented than Mainoo, as the Englishman emerges from the darkness he endured under Amorim, who was surprised to give him minutes in the Premier League.

The statistics certainly underline Fernandes’ quality, and how he makes himself one of the most impressive midfielders in the league, both physically and technically as he runs from box to box.

He joined the Londoners from Southampton after their relegation from the Premier League in 2024/25, and now, having been relegated, he has managed to retain respect for his quality.

That’s the measure of Fernandes’ ability, a combative and ferocious opponent with the quality to break lines with a surgical pass and put the ball into danger himself.

West Ham have struggled this season, one of the most tired teams in the Premier League. But Fernandes has managed to shine through it all – just imagine the heights he can reach for a Man United side that has started to make real progress and is in contention for promotion.