Manchester United were denied the dream welcome gifts of Sandro Tonali and Ederson as the update emerged.
Manchester United could not be more generous in offering two potential new signings should they choose to move this summer.
Manchester United are unlikely to be able to offer Sandro Tonali and Ederson their current squad numbers if they move to Old Trafford this summer.
Michael Carrick is keen to get midfield reinforcements early to replace the departing Casemiro and other possible costs. Reports suggest Newcastle’s Tonali and Serie A star Ederson are high on United’s preference list.
TalkSPORT claim United have agreed a verbal deal with Atalanta star Ederson on a five-year contract. People understand that the two clubs are in talks over a £43million move.
In recent months, Newcastle’s failure to reach European football has heavily linked Tonali with United and fuelled his pursuit. The Magpies are seeking £86m for the Italian midfielder but could be willing to sell due to their low position in the Premier League, with reports in Italy suggesting United are confident of signing both.
Ederson has just one year left on his contract with Atalanta but the Serie A side are apparently holding firm on their price. If United are to drop a combined £129m on the two midfielders, they will aim to settle them quickly.
But the club cannot give the two players their squad numbers, so it cannot give them a possible welcome gift. Tonali has worn the number eight since his days at AC Milan, but there is a giant star he won’t be removing from that number at United.
Bruno Fernandes holds the shirt from the 2022/23 season after wearing the number 18 for his first three years at the club. The United captain also previously wore his current number at Sporting CP and Udinese and is undoubtedly Carrick’s star man.
Sandro Tonali will almost certainly be barred from taking his current squad number at United. (Photo: Giorgi ARJEVANIDZE / AFP via Getty Images)
The Portugal international has been linked with a move away before, but it doesn’t look like he’ll be going anywhere at Old Trafford anytime soon. The number 18 shirt is now available after Casemiro’s departure, which Tonali can claim.
Ederson, meanwhile, has worn No. 13 full-time in Atlanta. He has been out of No. 15 and No. 40 at previous clubs but has been rapping single digits for the past six years.
However, Patrick Dorgo claimed that when he joined United in the 2025 winter window, he had worn it throughout his senior professional career. Dorgu is currently tied up until at least 2030.
Ederson may be forced to reconsider the cut number. (Photo: Image Photo Agency/Getty Images)
Patrick Dorgo is the current owner of No. 13. (Photo: Mark Cosgrove/News Images/Noor Photo via Getty Images)
Ederson is the next number 12 after the club confirmed the departure of Tyrell Malacia. Nos. 19 and 22 are also vacant if the Brazilian opts for a complete switch to United.
Both Fernandes and Dorgo appear to feature in Carrick’s long-term plans as he looks to a future with United. The former club captain’s permanent appointment was confirmed earlier this month, and he is keen to help any newcomers settle in seamlessly.
But Carrick will have to rely on something other than squad numbers if he is to land Tonalley and Ederson in a double swoop this summer.
