Fernandes chase leads United's busy summer as Rashford and Onana face exits

Manchester United have agreed a £38.8million deal — £35m plus £3.8m in add-ons — to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson, with the 26-year-old Brazilian set to put pen to paper on a contract until 2030 before the summer is out. His arrival marks the start of a significant midfield rebuild at Old Trafford under manager Michael Carrick.

Ederson is unlikely to be the only central midfielder through the door. United are leading the chase for West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, a 21-year-old who the Hammers value at more than £80million, and retain interest in Brighton’s Carlos Baleba and Bournemouth’s Alex Scott. United have stepped away from the race for Elliot Anderson after Manchester City had a bid of up to £120million rejected.

The volume of midfield arrivals will partly depend on what happens with Manuel Ugarte, whom United are planning to sell. Galatasaray are among the interested clubs, though United may have to settle for a loan deal with an obligation to buy if a permanent sale cannot be secured. Casemiro has already departed.

Outside of midfield, a left-back is considered a pressing priority — more so now than the left-wing — with Lewis Hall of Newcastle the primary target as a long-term successor to the injury-prone Luke Shaw. United retain interest in Morgan Rogers at Aston Villa and Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye on the flank, with Premier League experience a factor in their recruitment thinking.

An experienced striker is also on the agenda, particularly if Joshua Zirkzee departs. Zirkzee is no longer actively pushing for a move as he was six months ago, but limited game time under Carrick means he could be offered a route to regular first-team football elsewhere.

On the outgoing side, United face a complicated task offloading some of their highest earners. Andre Onana will return from his loan at Trabzonspor but has no future at the club, with Senne Lammens now established as first-choice goalkeeper. Marcus Rashford’s situation is arguably more delicate — the winger earns £325,000 a week and United have no plans to reintegrate him into the squad. Bayern Munich are among those monitoring his availability, as are several Premier League clubs, but any deal will require significant negotiation over his salary. Barcelona, meanwhile, have turned their attention to Anthony Gordon rather than Rashford.