Ederson closing in on Manchester United move but shirt number options are limited

Manchester United are closing in on the signing of Atalanta midfielder Ederson, with reports from Italy suggesting a deal between the two clubs is all-but agreed and an official announcement expected soon.

The 26-year-old Brazilian is set to become the Red Devils’ first piece of business in the summer transfer window under manager Michael Carrick. However, once the paperwork is done, Ederson faces a minor complication: the squad numbers he has worn throughout his career are already occupied at Old Trafford.

Ederson has favoured the No.13 shirt during stints at Fortaleza, Salernitana and Atalanta, but that number currently belongs to defender Patrick Dorgu. His secondary preference, No.15 — which he wore at Corinthians and Cruzeiro — is similarly unavailable, having been claimed by centre-back Leny Yoro. One option that does remain open is No.40, a number Ederson wore early in his career.

Atalanta head coach Raffaele Palladino effectively confirmed the departure last month, saying: “Ederson out? It was a decision we agreed with the boy because there’s something going on in the transfer market. The fact that such a player is being followed by such a big club should be a source of pride.”

Carrick, speaking about United’s summer plans, acknowledged the club has work to do following a difficult league campaign and the departure of several players. “As a football club, you want to keep moving forward. We certainly do,” the United manager said. “With certain players leaving, there’s a bit of work to do, but this one is not any more important than the last one — it’s what’s ahead of us as a football club to try and make the most of it.”