As we creep ever closer to the dawn of the Premier League’s summer transfer window, the perennial rumour mill has begun churning a collection of possibilities for Manchester United.
With midfield the primary position of interest, a who’s-who list of options has surfaced, some credible and others less so.
Amongst the known variables are Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba, Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, while several continental names have piqued the interest of an ever-ready sporting department.
At the top of this shortlist is Atalanta powerhouse Ederson, a man who has set his sights on a move to the next level of European competition.
Approaching the final year of his deal in Bergamo, the 26-year-old possesses several advantageous physical traits and technical abilities that could complement England’s top tier.
Nonetheless, many of the Old Trafford faithful have expressed their concerns about his potential arrival, with some deeming him an inadequate option for Michael Carrick’s squad.
But what has caused such a bizarre reaction across social media, and would the Brazilian be a shrewd capture for this Ineos backroom team?
Could Ederson provide a quality option for Manchester United ahead of a congested schedule?
Given that we live in an era where many people are uninterested in long-form explanations, the simple answer is yes.
Contrary to a nonsensical reaction, Ederson is, in fact, a very capable midfielder who has been handed a Brazilian shirt on three occasions; that doesn’t just happen.
In many ways, he is the quintessential all-rounder in the modern game, capable of operating in several roles. He’s strong, fast, technical, and intelligent.
Although some have written him off without watching 90 minutes of gameplay because of ‘how he moves’ in FIFA, I assure you that Christopher Vivell, Jason Wilcox and co have done their homework.
What’s more, his individual growth has delivered drastic year-on-year improvements, with his game flourishing across various metrics.
Information via DataMB.Football
As we know, fixtures are won and lost in midfield, and the Premier League demands elite athletes in the engine room.
Whether Ederson would start every game is irrelevant-his work rate could alter the dynamic at key moments at any time. Question him all you like, but the man never stops running, outlined by his 11.6km average per Champions League outing this campaign.
Interchange is an invaluable asset in defence or attack, and the Campo Grande native has a track record of operating in a double pivot or as part of a trio in a deep-lying role, or as a tenacious 8.
Technically, he’s shrewd and committed to ball retention, completing 89% of his passes throughout the domestic calendar. Additionally, he ranks above the 80th percentile for both progressive and forward passes.
Above all, his strength and press resistance offer an invaluable weapon for any European outfit, and both Ivan Juric and Raffaele Palladino heavily relied on their gladiator to alleviate pressure throughout the season.
Ederson Serie A season heatmap via sofascore.com
Respectfully, if you have concluded that a move for Ederson is doomed to fail because of comparisons with forgotten Brazilians, you’re extremely foolish.
Any player at any time could arrive in the North West and struggle to adapt-that is the byproduct of committing to ply your trade in the Old Trafford cauldron alongside the monster that is the British media.
Several of the United scouts have long admired the former Europa League winner and feel his presence in the squad would be advantageous, as we have been told categorically.
Whether you choose to accept that is your decision. Nonetheless, do your best to avoid sensationalist agendas on social media.
Remember, Carrick has played a crucial role in identifying the ideal midfield recruits for the football club. It’s fair to assume that the United chief knows what he’s talking about.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments or across our socials, photo by Vitaliivitleo via depositphotos.com.
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