Ederson insists he passed his United medical as £39m transfer collapse leaves him baffled

Atalanta midfielder Ederson has broken his silence on his collapsed £39 million move to Manchester United, insisting he passed his medical and remains at a loss to explain why the Red Devils walked away from the deal.

United had agreed personal terms and a fee with Atalanta for the 27-year-old Brazilian earlier in the summer, positioning him as the club’s first signing of the window. However, United later withdrew, with sources in Manchester pointing to a knee issue identified during the medical process.

Ederson flatly disputes that version of events. “I honestly don’t know what happened,” he said. “I always had interest from other clubs, and I could’ve gone to another English side. The tests went well, I don’t know what changed.”

The timeline of the medical was complicated by Ederson receiving a late call-up to Brazil’s World Cup squad after Roma defender Wesley was injured, forcing United to carry out the initial stage of the examination in the United States. Once the knee concern was flagged, the club scheduled a full medical before ultimately deciding not to proceed, despite having already agreed terms with both the player and Atalanta.

Rather than pursue another move, Ederson opted to stay in Bergamo. “I’ve been with Atalanta for four years and always played,” he said. “I could’ve just waited to see what happened, but the great rapport with the club convinced me to stay and sign a new contract.”

United have since shifted their midfield focus elsewhere, spending a combined £85 million to bring in Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa and Andrey Santos from Chelsea. Manager Michael Carrick is now reportedly targeting Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, a player linked with Old Trafford as far back as twelve months ago.

Midfield has been United’s only area of significant investment this summer despite an acknowledged need to strengthen at left-back and in attack. Newcastle’s Lewis Hall has been mentioned as a potential left-back option, though Newcastle are said to be resistant to any approach.