UMVA has learned that Manchester United's summer strategy remains focused on a comprehensive midfield rebuild, rather than just making temporary fixes.
The club's plan is to bring in not one, not two, but three new midfielders to bolster their squad, with Atalanta's Éderson expected to be the first new arrival in early July. A deal worth £34m plus £3.8m in add-ons has been agreed for the Brazilian, who will sign a four-year contract with the option of an extra year.
Éderson is just the beginning, as United's midfield shortlist still includes a range of top targets, such as Mateus Fernandes, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Alex Scott, Sandro Tonali, Carlos Baleba, and Elliot Anderson. This tells us that United are looking for a diverse group of midfielders who can bring different skills to the table.
United's recruitment drive is driven by a desire for balance and control in midfield. They want players who can bring energy, control, ball-carrying ability, defensive security, and long-term potential to the team. The link to Mateus Fernandes is particularly intriguing, given West Ham's reported valuation of around £80m and interest from top clubs like Real Madrid and PSG.
Éderson's arrival is seen as a key part of United's plan to strengthen for their Champions League return, with technical director Jason Wilcox a big fan of the Brazilian. However, it's clear that Éderson alone cannot solve all of United's midfield problems, which is why adding two more midfielders makes sense.
Michael Carrick, United's manager, is keen to build a more balanced midfield unit, which could allow Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo to flourish. If United can get the balance right, they could finally solve their midfield problems and become a more cohesive team.
Carrick's midfield rebuild will not end with the signing of Éderson, and United must avoid the danger of spending big without a clear plan. The goal is to build a unit that fits Carrick's football vision, rather than just collecting big names.
