Why Manchester United Want Ederson of Atalanta

Manchester United have recently been linked to Atalanta’s Brazilian midfielder Ederson. Let’s take a look at his player profile, key attributes and how he might fit into Ruben Amorim’s system at Old Trafford. 

Scout Report: Ederson (Atalanta & Brazil) 

• Name: Ederson José dos Santos
• Date of Birth: July 7, 1999
• Position: Central Midfielder
• Nationality: Brazilian
• Current Club: Atalanta BC
• Height: 1.82 m (6 ft 0 in)
• Preferred Foot: Right 

Player Overview:

Ederson is a dynamic, box-to-box midfielder who excels in high-tempo, aggressive systems. Known for his physicality, tactical intelligence, and versatility, Ederson is a key component in Atalanta’s intense pressing style. His ability to link defense and attack, combined with his tenacity, makes him a valuable asset both defensively and offensively.

Attributes:

1. Defensive Skills (8/10): Ederson’s work rate is exceptional. He is a tireless presser, frequently disrupting opposition play. He averages 2.5 tackles and 1.5 interceptions per 90 minutes, highlighting his effectiveness in breaking up attacks.

2. Ball Progression (8/10): Comfortable in possession, Ederson consistently carries the ball forward with purpose. His dribbling is smooth (1.3 successful dribbles per game), and he’s adept at bypassing midfield lines.

3. Passing Ability (7/10): While not a playmaker, Ederson delivers accurate, short-to-medium range passes (85% pass completion rate). He excels in transition, quickly shifting the ball to attacking players.

4. Physicality (9/10): A natural athlete, Ederson boasts great stamina, strength, and aerial ability, which he uses to dominate midfield duels and provide a robust presence in the engine room.

5. Attacking Contribution (7/10): Though not a prolific scorer, Ederson’s late runs into the box and long-range shooting offer an additional attacking threat. His ability to win second balls often creates scoring opportunities for teammates.

Strengths:

• High work rate and stamina

• Defensive discipline and pressing

• Ball-carrying ability and composure under pressure

Weaknesses:

• Limited creativity in the final third

• Can occasionally misjudge tackles, leading to fouls 

Style of Play:

Ederson thrives in systems that demand high energy and pressing, such as Atalanta’s or Brazil’s transitional style. He is a natural fit for a box-to-box role or as a midfield destroyer in a double pivot and at Atalanta he is deployed on the left alongside Dutchman Marten De Roon. 

At 25, Ederson is entering his prime years. With further refinement in his passing range and decision-making in the final third, he has the potential to become a key figure for both club and country.

Why Ederson Would Suit Playing Under Rúben Amorim at Manchester United

Rúben Amorim’s tactical philosophy revolves around high-energy, progressive football, with a focus on positional play, vertical passing, and intense pressing. Ederson’s attributes and style of play align well with these principles, making him an ideal fit for a Manchester United team managed by Amorim.

1. Tactical Versatility

Amorim often utilizes a 3-4-3 or a 4-3-3 system, with midfielders who can contribute both defensively and offensively. Ederson’s ability to play as a box-to-box midfielder or a deeper-lying disruptor complements Amorim’s need for adaptable players in the midfield. His tactical intelligence allows him to fill multiple roles, whether as a presser, ball-carrier, or defensive anchor.

2. Intense Pressing and Work Rate

Amorim’s teams are known for their aggressive pressing to regain possession quickly. Ederson’s tenacity and stamina make him an ideal fit for this system. The Brazilian would undoubtedly enhance United’s ability to recover the ball high up the pitch, a cornerstone of Amorim’s style.

3. Ball-Carrying Ability in Transitions

Amorim values midfielders who can drive forward with the ball to break opposition lines. Ederson’s strength as a ball carrier would add dynamism to United’s midfield, especially in transitions. His composure under pressure ensures he can operate effectively even in high-stakes matches. 

4. Defensive Discipline and Physicality

Ederson’s physical attributes and defensive awareness are vital for Amorim’s system, where midfielders must shield the defense and win second balls. His aerial prowess and ability to dominate duels would bring much-needed steel to United’s midfield, especially in Premier League matches, where physicality is crucial.

5. Complementing Current Players 

Under Amorim, Ederson could form a balanced midfield partnership with a more creative player like Bruno Fernandes or a deep-lying playmaker like Casemiro. Many fans however believe this might be Casemiro’s last season at Old Trafford. Whilst Ederson might not have the progressive passing of the multiple time Champions League winner, he would still be an elite replacement to shore up the midfield options. Ederson’s energy and defensive work could free up captain Bruno Fernandes or Kobbie Mainoo to focus on creating chances, improving the team’s overall cohesion. United also have Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte who is finding form and becoming quickly accustomed to life in the Premier League but it is believed his presence would not deter any move for Ederson. 

Ederson’s high work rate, tactical versatility, and suitability for an intense pressing system align perfectly with Rúben Amorim’s footballing philosophy. At Manchester United, he could play a key role in transforming the midfield into a cohesive, high-energy unit capable of dominating both domestically and in Europe. The Red Devils seem to be exploring the South American market in greater depths recently, confirming the signing of Paraguay left back Diego Leon (17) this week. With Lisandro Martinez and Alejandro Garnacho of Argentina also key members of the current team, Manchester United fans would certainly have no objections to seeing Ederson join the South American revolution at Old Trafford.