Manchester United adds Atalanta midfielder Ederson as the potential alternative to Manuel Ugarte after their failed negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain
Paris Saint-Germain star Manuel Ugarte has several potential alternatives including Atalanta midfielder Ederson, now that Manchester United has moved on. The Red Devils’ arch-rivals Liverpool scouted Ederson and while the Brazilian impressed them, they opted not to move for him.
However, Liverpool’s caution could act as an opportunity for Man United to secure Ederson and bolster their midfielder this summer. United want a number six to partner with youngster Kobbie Mainoo in the double pivot role under Erik ten Hag.
Ten Hag’s last summer signing Mason Mount failed to deliver according to the high expectations and price that he governed. Casemiro and Christian Eriksen have immensely deteriorated with age, losing physical prowess to keep up with the Premier League’s demands.
According to GiveMeSport (via Manchester Evening News) United have added Ederson as one of the alternatives for Ugarte this summer. The Red Devils refused the match the price that PSG have put on their Uruguayan defensive midfielder despite his availability.
Player analysis: Ederson
Standing at 1.85 metres, Ederson is an all-round midfielder who had played more as a number-six for Atalanta last season. The 25-year-old is currently playing in the peak years of his career and contributed immensely to Atalanta’s Europa League success.
Ederson has the stamina and mobility to cover vast distances and play a crucial role in Atalanta’s high-pressing system. He made 2.47 tackles, 1.40 interceptions, 1.40 blocks and won 1.09 aerial duels per 90 minutes in all competitions last year.
COMPARED: Manuel Ugarte vs. Éderson per 90 during the 2023/24 league season. pic.twitter.com/YG6uC0TYi8
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In possession, Ederson uses the ball elegantly and plays a key role in the buildup, implementing a direct attitude to start attacks. He made 6.56 progressive passes per 90 minutes in all competitions last year for Atalanta which implements counter-attacking strategy very efficiently.
All in all, Ederson is much better in possession than Ugarte but the Uruguayan trumps the Brazillian in the combative situations. However, the different between the two is significantly less compared to the difference in price tag.
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Ederson fits the profile that the Red Devils desire in a number six and his £30 million price tag is justified. Furthermore, the amount could allow United to complete other signings that they are currently pursuing while selling the surplus players, which protects them from any Financial fair play threat.
