Manchester United’s achievements in the 2025/26 season cannot be understated, especially after their early struggles under manager Ruben Amorim.
Michael Carrick led the Red Devils to just two defeats in 17 Premier League appearances, before guiding the club to a third-place finish.
The aforementioned finish has ensured the 44-year-old’s managerial job is permanently secured, but next season will be the period when he will be most valued by senior management and supporters alike.
He will no doubt spend a huge amount of money in the remaining transfer window, but it is important that the additions are at the level needed to be successful.
But despite the long-running saga, it looks like one of the current transfer targets will not end up at Old Trafford.
Why Ederson’s Man United contract is now a big question
Man United have been heavily linked with the signing of Atalanta midfielder Ederson in recent months, despite the player currently taking part in the World Cup.
At one stage, it was even reported that a full agreement had been reached between the player and both clubs, with a £40m deal set to be discussed.
Such a deal was on the verge of being finalized depending on the results of the player’s medical, but it appears that his checks caused some problems on Carrick’s side.
After his latest medical check in Manchester, the Red Devils decided to withdraw from the process and the deal is now in great danger of falling apart completely.
His current employers say the 27-year-old is still 100% fit and there are no current injury issues that could derail a move to Old Trafford.
The issue may have stemmed from a meniscus injury sustained by Ederson in 2025, but the full reasons why United canceled his contract are currently unknown.
Other sources have said that Carrick’s side have not yet backed out of the Brazilian’s move, but the next few days will be crucial to see if the move can still be completed.
Players who will wipe the floor with Ederson at United
Losing Ederson would be a blow for INEOS and United, especially considering they have been seeking his signature all summer.
Casemiro’s departure at the end of June left a huge hole in the center of the team, making the need for a new central midfielder the club’s top priority in the current market.
Ederson is not the only option currently being considered by the reinforcements, with Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouadi also on the horizon.
TalkSPORT reports that United are already in talks with the player’s agent over a potential move to Old Trafford during this period.
Journalist Ben Jacobs said on his YouTube channel in recent days that “Manchester City are seriously considering a move, and Manchester United are looking into it as well.”
“I have heard that Bayern are also interested. Chelsea also rate the player highly. Now that Morocco’s departure has been confirmed, there will be further movement on his future.”
The signing of Ederson and Bouadi could be a blessing in disguise for the Red Devils, with the 18-year-old far outclassing the Brazilian throughout the 2025/26 campaign.
Ayyoub Bouadi – League 1 statistics (2025/26) | |
|---|---|
Statistics (every 90) | tally |
games played | 30 |
goals and assists | 1 |
Pass accuracy | 85% |
An opportunity has arisen | 1.1 |
dribbling success | 61% |
Won a ground duel | 57% |
aerial won | 64% |
The tackle I made | 2.4 |
Described as “exceptional” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Bouadi managed to increase his tackles per 90 while increasing his ground duel success rate.
Both of the aforementioned areas highlight his dominance without the ball, something Carrick’s side desperately need after Casemiro’s departure.
The teenager also dominated Ederson in possession, completing more dribbles than he attempted and creating more chances per 90 minutes.
His dribble success rate ranks in the top 15% of all midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues, so he could be the perfect orchestrator at the backbone of United’s midfield.
£60m is a huge investment for Carrick’s side for an 18-year-old, but it is a deal that could see them feature in the Premier League for years to come.
It may be a shame to lose Ederson at this point, but it could turn out to be a blessing in disguise if the hierarchy can secure a move for Bouadi during this period.
