Ederson deal close as United shift midfield focus to Scott and Tchouameni

Manchester United are edging closer to a double midfield addition this summer, with Atalanta’s Ederson set to complete a £35 million move to Old Trafford once Brazil’s World Cup 2026 campaign concludes, and a further signing expected to follow.

Michael Carrick, who guided United to a top-four finish in his second stint as interim boss and has since been handed the job permanently, will begin his first pre-season as manager next week. Strengthening the engine room is his most pressing priority after the club missed out on both Elliot Anderson — who joined Manchester City — and Mateus Fernandes, who moved to Tottenham.

Bournemouth’s Alex Scott has emerged as United’s primary remaining midfield target, with Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni also attracting sustained admiration from the club. Borussia Dortmund’s Felix Nmecha carries a notable internal advocate in director of football Jason Wilcox, who worked with the German international during his time in Manchester City’s academy.

Two names that had featured on United’s shortlist for some time appear to be fading from contention. Brighton have refused to lower their £100 million asking price for Carlos Baleba despite an underwhelming season, and there has been little meaningful progress in talks. Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton has also cooled as a target, with the club’s recruitment staff reportedly concluding that his profile is too similar to Kobbie Mainoo to function effectively alongside him in a two-man midfield.

On the goalkeeping front, United are expected to sign Wales under-21 stopper Kit Margetson from Swansea City for a compensation fee. The 19-year-old, son of former England goalkeeping coach Martyn Margetson, has yet to make a senior appearance for Swansea after joining the club’s academy at under-15 level. He spent the 2025/26 season on loan at Connah’s Quay Nomads and is anticipated to be sent out on loan to an EFL club again this summer to continue his development.