Man Utd closing in on the signing of Atalanta midfielder Ederson

By Simon Peach, Press Association Chief Football Writer

Manchester United are closing in on the signing of Atalanta midfielder Ederson, the Press Association understands.

The Red Devils are not wasting any time preparing for their Champions League return having finished third a year on from losing the Europa League final and stumbling home 15th.

Michael Carrick’s deal to stay on as United head coach was announced in the build-up to their Premier League finale at Brighton as work ramped up behind the scenes on a deal for Ederson.

The 26-year-old Brazilian has long been linked with a move to Old Trafford and, having made progress over talks, a deal to sign the Atalanta midfielder is believed to be close.

A fee reaching up to £38 million has been reported in some quarters as Ederson edges ever closer to becoming the first signing of the Carrick era.

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.

A move for Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni has been considered and Elliot Anderson is hugely admired, although the Nottingham Forest midfielder is said to favour Manchester City.

It is shaping up to be a busy summer at a club whose on-field success has been credited by chief executive Omar Berrada as key to financial improvements along with their “business transformation initiatives”.

United released their third quarter results for fiscal 2026 on Wednesday that showed a £37.7 million operating profit over a nine-month period compared to a £3.2 million loss the previous year.

The “headcount reduction programs” was cited in their results up to March 31st following a widescale redundancy programme and restructuring after Jim Ratcliffe became co-owner.

United chief executive Berrada said: “We feel very positive about the club’s progress this season and the continuing positive impact of our business transformation initiatives.

“Finishing third in the Premier League and securing qualification to next season’s UEFA Champions League is testament to our men’s team’s improved form on the pitch.

“Michael Carrick has done an excellent job in the 17 games he has overseen and we are delighted that he will continue as Head Coach.

“Our women’s team reached the quarter final in the UEFA Women’s Champions League and also reached the final of the League Cup for the first time and will be participating once again in the World Sevens Series.

“On the academy side, reaching the FA Youth Cup and PL2 play-off finals is also an indication of our continued commitment to youth development.”

United have increased their revenue guidance from up to £660 million to £665 million since the second quarter results, with earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation rising from a maximum of £200 million to £210 million.

The club say in their third quarter results release that “work continues behind the scenes on our ambition to build a new 100,000 seater stadium”.

United confirmed sacking former boss Ruben Amorim and his staff cost the thick end of £16.7 million.