It has been crystal clear since the start of the summer that Man Utd want to sign a new defensive midfielder. Initially, it looked like they wanted to replace Casemiro this summer but the Brazilian looks set to stay at the club and has started off the season very well.
Casemiro might have one more season at the top level left in him but Man Utd would be wise if they start their succession planning and bring in a young defensive midfielder this summer.
The Red Devils have been extensively linked with a move for PSG youngster Manuel Ugarte with the Uruguayan crazy about coming to Old Trafford.
However, the Ligue 1 giants are making negotiations difficult despite the fact that they don’t want the 23-year-old in their squad, forcing Man Utd to look at other options. One player that they have identified for the role is Atalanta’s Ederson.
The 25-year-old Brazilian is valued at around £46.8m by the Serie A club and could be an alternative to Ugarte for the #6 role.
He is coming off a very good season for Atalanta where he was one of the main players in the Europa League clinching run.
If you think about it in some ways, Ederson is more suited at Man Utd than Ugarte. Being Brazilian, he has the likes of Casemiro and Antony who can help him settle into the club. Meanwhile, he can also learn the tricks of the trade from the Real Madrid legend.
Ederson at 25 is not too young to worry if he is ready for the Premier League nor has he entered the prime years of his career. If Man Utd wanted to make a first-team addition, they cannot go wrong with someone of the Brazilian’s quality.
Between Ugarte and Ederson, the Uruguayan might have the higher ceiling but the Brazilian is better suited to take the PL challenge head-on immediately. It ultimately comes down to whether Casemiro leaves this summer or not.
If the 32-year-old stays put, Man Utd can bank on Ugarte who is 23 and can come in and develop under the veteran’s tutelage. If he were to leave this summer though, Ederson is the better option to come in and become a sure-shot starter and help the team immediately. Let’s see how the club evaluate this situation and who they go for eventually.
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