Manchester United are unlikely to be in a position to offer Sandro Tonali or Ederson a dream welcome gift if either player moves to Old Trafford this summer. Michael Carrick wants to strengthen his midfield options early on to fill the hole left by the departed Casemiro and other potential departures. Newcastle’s Tonali and Serie A standout Ederson sit firmly at the top of United’s wish list, according to reports.
United are said to have reached a verbal agreement with Atalanta star Ederson on a five-year contract. It is understood that negotiations are progressing between the two clubs over a £43m transfer. Tonali has similarly been the subject of intense speculation over his links to United in recent months, with Newcastle’s failure to qualify for European football giving the Red Devils a huge advantage in their bid for the title.
The Magpies are demanding a hefty £86m for the Italian midfielder, but his position in the Premier League could persuade him to sell, with reports from Italy suggesting United are confident of signing both players.
Ederson still has one year left on his contract with Atalanta, but the Serie A side appear to be sticking to their asking price. If United are to spend the total £129m required for both midfielders, their priority will be to quickly settle them into their new surroundings.
However, both players’ team numbers have now been taken, meaning any special welcome is taken off the table. Tonali has worn the number 8 shirt since his days at AC Milan, but there is one towering figure who will likely never change his number at United.
Bruno Fernandes wore the number 18 shirt for his first three years at the club, and will wear the number 8 shirt from the 2022/23 season. The United captain also wore his current number at Sporting CP and Udinese and is undoubtedly Carrick’s most influential player.
The Portugal international has previously been linked with a possible departure, but there is little indication that he will be heading for the Old Trafford exit any time soon. Following Casemiro’s departure, the number 18 shirt will become available and Tonali could take it.
Meanwhile, Ederson has worn number 13 throughout his entire stint at Atalanta. He wore numbers 15 and 40 at his previous clubs, but has stuck to the same number for the past six years.
However, Patrick Dorg claimed the shirt when he arrived at United in the winter of 2025 and has worn it throughout his senior professional career. Dolgu’s contract currently runs until at least 2030.
With Tyrell Malasia’s departure confirmed, 12 is the closest number to Ederson’s desired number. Numbers 19 and 22 will also be free if the Brazilian makes a new start at United.
Both Fernandes and Dorg appear to be firmly integrated into Carrick’s long-term vision for United’s future. The former club captain’s official appointment was confirmed earlier this month and he is working hard to ensure a smooth transition for the new signing.
But if Carrick wants to sign both Tonali and Ederson as two-way players this summer, they will need to offer more than just a team number.
