Manchester United are unlikely to be in a position to offer Sandro Tonali and Ederson dream welcome presents should either player make the move to Old Trafford this summer. Michael Carrick is eager to bolster his midfield options early in the window to fill the void left by the departed Casemiro and other potential exits. Reports indicate that Newcastle’s Tonali and Serie A standout Ederson sit firmly at the top of United’s wishlist.
United are said to have reached a verbal agreement with Atalanta star Ederson on a five-year deal. It is understood that talks are progressing between the two clubs over a £43million move. Tonali has similarly been the subject of intense speculation linking him with United in recent months, with Newcastle‘s failure to qualify for European football handing the Red Devils a significant advantage in their pursuit.
The Magpies are demanding a hefty £86million for the Italian midfielder but may be persuaded to sell given their lowly Premier League position, with reports emerging from Italy suggesting United are confident of securing both signings
Ederson has just a year remaining on his Atalanta contract, yet the Serie A outfit appear to be holding firm on their asking price. Should United commit the combined £129m required for both midfielders, settling them into their new surroundings swiftly will be a priority.
However, both players’ squad numbers are currently taken, meaning that particular welcoming gesture is off the table. Tonali has worn the number eight since his days at AC Milan, but there is one towering presence he will not be shifting from that shirt number at United.
Bruno Fernandes has held the number eight shirt since the 2022/23 season, having previously worn No.18 during his first three years at the club. The United captain also donned his current number at Sporting CP and Udinese, and is unquestionably Carrick’s most influential player.
The Portugal international has previously been linked with a departure, but shows little sign of heading for the exit at Old Trafford any time soon. The number 18 shirt has become available following Casemiro’s exit, which Tonali could potentially claim.
Ederson, meanwhile, has worn 13 throughout his entire stint at Atalanta. He has previously donned 15 and 40 at former clubs, yet has stuck with the same number for the past six years.
However, Patrick Dorgu claimed that particular shirt upon his arrival at United in the 2025 winter window and has worn it throughout his senior professional career. Dorgu is currently contracted until at least 2030.
The nearest available number to Ederson’s preferred choice is 12, following the confirmed departure of Tyrell Malacia. Numbers 19 and 22 are also free should the Brazilian fancy a fresh start at United.
Both Fernandes and Dorgu appear to feature firmly in Carrick’s long-term vision as he looks ahead to United’s future. The former club captain’s permanent appointment was confirmed earlier this month, and he will be keen to ensure any new arrivals bed in smoothly.
However, Carrick will need to offer more than just squad numbers if he is to secure both Tonali and Ederson in a double swoop this summer.