Brazilian midfielder Ederson looks set to become Michael Carrick’s first signing as manager of Manchester United for a reported fee of £35 million. The 26-year-old was a crucial player for Serie A side Atalanta for four years, helping them win the Europa League two years ago.
Like most players who played under Gian Piero Gasperini, the Brazilian is a great athlete, capable of covering ground and offering a physical presence. Gasperini’s aggressive man-oriented pressing demands a lot of players without
the ball, and the fact that Ederson was able to accede to these demands is impressive; he should certainly add some steel to United’s midfield going into next season.
Of course, there’s a reason most of the big clubs weren’t after him. He’s not a playmaker or the sort of commanding figure in the middle of the park that the top teams are always on the lookout for. He’s at best a support act; someone who should be a reliable backup or deputy for a more commanding midfielder. United will be competing in four competitions next season, and it’s not hard to conclude that the recruitment team wants to add some depth in midfield.
Whether this is prudent when United don’t yet have that sort of midfielder to dictate things in the middle of the park is a serious concern, though. As things stand, it appears that United are looking at bargains and are not ready to engage in a bidding war with the other big clubs. This, in all honesty, doesn’t look like a side with the ambition to win the league next season.
Michael Carrick, it shouldn’t be forgotten, wasn’t expected to lead the club at the start of the year. Many observers have questioned whether his tactics are sophisticated enough for a top club, but the bigger question is whether he has the power to dictate things at United. As important as recruiters, directors, CEOs and owners are, the players are the biggest factor in a club’s success, and there’s nothing to suggest any of the primary decision makers at United know more about football or the qualities of players than Michael Carrick.
They also don’t know more about Manchester United than Michael Carrick, but it’s up to Michael Carrick to remind them that. Whether Carrick has the personality to do the same is arguably the bigger question concerning his management credentials. There’s no doubt that Michael Carrick will try to get the most out of Ederson while trying to find a balance with the needs of the team. What’s less clear is whether this is sufficient for United’s ambitions.
