Meet Ederson - Man Utd's first summer transfer after Michael Carrick intervention

Undeterred by Ramus Hojlund's difficulties, Manchester United are raiding Atalanta once more to sign Brazilian midfielder Ederson, the all-action, superstitious star who isn't a direct replacement for Casemiro

Ederson has enjoyed quite the rise to prominence since moving to Europe.

Six months at Salernitana have been followed by four stellar years at Atalanta. Now he is set to make an almighty jump, from Bergamo to Manchester, and the bright lights of the Premier League.

That United have been able to keep their interest in Ederson under wraps is impressive. They have pursued other targets at the same time as the Brazilian. Throughout, it seems they have been content for those names to be made public.

But it is the 26 year-old who is set to be the first new signing through the doors at Old Trafford this summer. For United, they will hope they aren't bitten by the Atalanta bug like they were with Ramsus Hojlund. After splurging £72million on the Dane, you could be forgiven for thinking United would refuse to do business with Atalanta ever again.

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But United have remained undeterred. They've spent 12 months monitoring Ederson's progress and development in Serie A and the Champions League, aware that Atalanta president, Antonio Percassi, has grown increasingly keen to cash in on Ederson, who will be entering the final 12 months of his current contract next month. Atalanta cannot afford to have star names and not sell them.

Ederson first appeared on United's radar after helping Atalanta win the Europa League in 2024. In that season, he made 52 appearances and scored seven goals, a brilliant, battling, box-to-box presence in their midfield.

United's determination has not wavered. Aside from some impressive scouting reports on someone who is renowned for being uncompromising, energetic and with an eye for goal, Ederson ticked more boxes when it became clear to United he would be within their financial budget.

A price tag of potentially £42million appealed to co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Certainly, the fact he earns just £25,000-a-week in Italy did too. Moving to United will see him jump to £75k-a-week.

Michael Carrick's promotion to the role of permanent manager also sped up the process, once the United boss evaluated the merits of a move. Carrick is said to like how versatile Ederson can be and doesn't view him as a like-for-like Casemiro replacement. He's comfortable in a holding midfield role, or one more advanced up the pitch.

Ederson has made no secret of his desire to test himself at one of the biggest clubs. His long held dream has been to make it to the Premier League. Describing his strengths, Ederson said: "My features are keeping the ball at my feet. I can play both defensive and attacking football. I find it easy to attack the space."

He may run into an issue when he arrives however. Ederson's favourite number is 13. Unlucky for some, perhaps but not him. He asked to wear the No.13 shirt when he joined Atalanta from Salernitana in 2022. His wife was born on July 13, and his superstitions run deep.

He will have to have a conversation with Patrick Dorgu, the current incumbent of the 13 shirt at Old Trafford, if he wants to take it on when he arrives.

Ederson has won three Brazil caps, but is not in Carlo Ancelotti's World Cup squad. Which means he will be able to have a full pre-season at United. If he can continue his upward trajectory at one of the biggest clubs in the world, he can expect a recall to the international stage.

But shining bright for Atalanta is one thing, doing it at Old Trafford is another altogether. Hojlund proved that. There are plenty of signings with huge potential who have come and gone from United in the past, without leaving any kind of mark.

Thus, the pressure on him to succeed will be huge and to ensure United look like they know what they're doing in the transfer market once again.