Manchester United may not have a sweetener to offer two potential new signings if they do choose to move this summer
Manchester United are unlikely to be able to offer Sandro Tonali and Ederson their current squad numbers if they were to head to Old Trafford this summer.
Michael Carrick is keen to get midfield reinforcements in early to replace the departed Casemiro and other potential outgoings. Reports suggest that Newcastle’s Tonali and Serie A star Ederson are high on United’s priority list.
TalkSPORT claim that United 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.
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Tonali has also been heavily linked with United in recent months, with Newcastle’s failure to reach European football providing a huge boost in their pursuit. The Magpies are looking for a whopping £86million for the Italian midfielder but could be willing to sell due to their low Premier League standing, with reports in Italy claiming United are confident of signing both.
Ederson has just a year left on his contract with Atalanta but the Serie A side are seemingly standing firm on their valuation. If United are to drop the combined £129m on the two midfielders, they will aim to settle them in quickly.
But both players’ squad numbers are unavailable, so that potential welcome gift cannot be handed to them. Tonali has worn the number eight since his days at AC Milan, but there is one huge star he will not unseat from that digit at United.
Bruno Fernandes has held the shirt since the 2022/23 season after repping No.18 for the first three years at the club. The United captain also previously wore his current number at Sporting CP and Udinese and is without a doubt Carrick’s star man.
The Portugal international has been linked with moves away previously, but doesn’t look to be going anywhere soon at Old Trafford. The number 18 shirt is now available after Casemiro’s departure, which Tonali could claim.
Ederson, meanwhile, has worn the No.13 the entire time at Atalanta. He has stepped out in the No.15 and No.40 at previous clubs, but has been repping the same digit for the last six years.
However, Patrick Dorgu claimed that when he joined United in the 2025 winter window and has worn it throughout his senior professional career. Dorgu is currently tied down until at least 2030.
The next number to Ederson’s is 12, after Tyrell Malacia’s departure was confirmed by the club. No. 19 and 22 are also vacant if the Brazilian opts for a complete change at United.
Both Fernandes and Dorgu look to be in Carrick’s long-term plans as he looks towards the future with United. The ex-club captain’s permanent appointment was confirmed earlier this month, and he will aim to help any arrivals settle in seamlessly.
But Carrick will have to rely on something other than squad numbers if he is to land Tonali and Ederson in a double swoop this summer.
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