Throughout the summer transfer window, Manchester United’s biggest task was there for all to see – completing the renovation of the central door.
Casemiro’s departure increased the need for further reinforcements, and it seemed that INEOS had found their rightful place for the Brazil international.
A deal to sign Ederson from Serie A outfit Atalanta looked certain a few weeks ago, after a fee of around £40m was agreed between the two clubs.
Personal terms have also been reached, but the deal now appears to be dead and buried – with concerns over the player’s fitness following the latest phase of his treatment.
Now, officials are looking for more reinforcements to try and give Michael Carrick the level he needs to succeed at Old Trafford.
Who could Man Utd sign after Ederson’s collapse
Missing out on Ederson will be a painful blow for United and Co, especially after having the foundation for such a move in the past few weeks.
However, a deal for Andrey Santos has already been agreed in recent days, with the Red Devils paying £50m to lure the midfielder to Chelsea.
This player also has no problem with his conditions and it is said that he has completed his studies before buying his huge money from Xabi Alonso.
Roma star Manu Kone has emerged as an alternative to Carrick’s squad this summer after impressing in France during the ongoing World Cup.
A possible proposal has been made by the Red Devils in the past few days, and the 25-year-old has been seen as a player who can fill the void in Manchester.
|
Manu Kone – France World Cup Stats |
|
|---|---|
|
Mathematics (90 percentile) |
Mathematics |
|
Games played |
4 |
|
Minutes played |
341 |
|
Pass accuracy |
93% |
|
Opportunities are created |
0.8 |
|
Defense contributions |
2.9 |
|
The fight is done |
1.8 |
|
The discovery of the ball |
5.4 |
|
Aerials won |
67% |
His box-to-box nature is key to what Carrick’s side want after Casemiro’s departure – but it remains to be seen whether the player wants to move to England this window.
Man Utd’s £40m total settlement
After Santos was agreed earlier this week, many would have expected United to wait before making any further midfield reinforcements.
However, credit to INEOS, management has been working tirelessly in recent days to try to put the failed Ederson deal in the rear view mirror.
A number of players, like Kone, have appeared on the club’s radar, but Wolverhampton Wanderers star João Gomes is one that appears to be of great interest.
TEAMtalk reported that United have made new moves to represent the player after the West Midlands side were relegated last season.
Like Ederson, his move to Atletico Madrid has fallen apart, which saw a potential switch to join the Red Devils for around £40m an exception.
The 25-year-old may now be a Championship player, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t a player capable of making the jump to the Premier League’s top team.
When comparing his stats to Santos’s for the 2025/26 campaign, the Wolves star managed to outdo the soon-to-be £50m man in countless key areas.
Gomes completed an impressive 1.4 per 90 dribbles last term – almost double that of Santos, who managed just 0.9 per 90.
The aforementioned stats also put the Wolves star in the top 2% of all midfielders in England’s top flight – further highlighting his ability to get out of tight spaces with the ball at his feet.
However, it is his talent off the ball that makes him the best fit for United this summer – as Carrick’s men desperately need a consistent ball-winner.
Gomes can provide just that for the Red Devils, especially if he can replicate his 12.3 defensive contribution and 3.4 tackles per 90 minutes last season.
As well as his talent on the ball, the Brazilian is ranked in the top 10% in both of the previously mentioned statistics, and Santos could not come close to these statistics.
His average of 7.2 ground duels won in 90 – and better than 90% of players in his position – further confirms his fighting nature and ability to take down opponents with ease.
The signing of the Chelsea star this summer would give Carrick’s side a fine young option who could improve under the manager’s guidance at Old Trafford.
However, Gomes’ deal will give the Red Devils a ready-made and proven top flight option that could end their long hunt for a ball-winning option in front of the back line.
