Manchester United's midfield struggles were laid bare in their goalless draw against Sunderland, a match that highlighted just how much they missed the commanding presence of Casemiro. The Red Devils were fortunate to escape the Stadium of Light with a clean sheet, as the Black Cats dominated possession and forced goalkeeper Senne Lammens into several outstanding saves. At the other end, United managed a meager two shots on target, underscoring their need for a midfield overhaul.
It's no surprise that finding a replacement for the Brazilian veteran has become the club's top priority this summer, and reports suggest INEOS are making significant strides. According to journalist Sébastien Vidal, Manchester United have ramped up their pursuit of Atalanta's midfield dynamo, Ederson. The 26-year-old Brazilian has reportedly agreed to personal terms and is now open to a move to Old Trafford—a major coup, considering he had previously agreed to join Atlético Madrid earlier this year.
United are now considering a bid of around €50 million (£43.2m) to quickly wrap up the deal for the former Salernitana star. Ederson excels at ball recovery and shielding the backline, but at 6 feet tall, he's not the type to dazzle fans with creative flair or dictate the tempo. This raises an interesting question: is he the right fit for a team that has long craved a midfield maestro?
Before signing Casemiro in 2022, United pursued Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong, a player known for his technical brilliance and ball-carrying ability. Former United defender Jaap Stam recently weighed in, suggesting the club should revisit that option. "I think Frenkie de Jong would be the ideal player," Stam said. "He's very good with the ball. We can talk about his physique in the Premier League, maybe, because if you look at the individual duels, the tackles and the physical aspect, of course he's not the greatest, but he's a very good player."
As the summer transfer window heats up, United fans will be watching closely to see whether the club opts for Ederson's defensive solidity or takes another swing at a more dynamic playmaker. Either way, the midfield rebuild is well underway.