Central midfield has been an obvious priority for Manchester United, particularly with Casemiro reportedly set to leave when his contract expires. Ederson would offer energy, physicality and the ability to carry possession through pressure - qualities that could help rebalance a side that has often lacked control in the middle of the pitch.
His development at Atalanta has also given him experience in an intense, demanding system. That background could be valuable at Old Trafford, where the next midfield recruit will be expected to contribute both defensively and in the first phase of attacking moves.
If completed, Ederson’s arrival would give Carrick an early opportunity to shape the team around a more mobile midfield. The Brazilian is not necessarily a complete answer by himself, however. United need greater consistency in possession, better protection for the defence and more reliable support for their forwards.
The reported agreement would therefore represent a beginning rather than a finished rebuild. Ederson’s comments indicate confidence that the move is close, but the transfer still requires the usual final steps before it can be treated as complete.
Former United coach Rene Meulensteen believes the club’s needs extend beyond one player. He said United require “at least two, and possibly three, midfielders during this window”.
That view places additional focus on the club’s next moves. Other midfielders have reportedly been considered, but several alternatives appear to be heading elsewhere.
The immediate storyline is whether Ederson’s “practically almost all sorted” assessment is followed by an official announcement - and whether Carrick adds another midfielder before the next transfer window closes.