Manchester United have officially withdrawn from the €45 million Ederson transfer, using the Brazilian’s delayed medical as a pretext, and are now targeting Roma’s France‑international Manu Kone.

Why did United abandon the Ederson move?

The Red Devils agreed on June 2 to pay €40.5 million plus €4.5 million in add‑ons for Atalanta’s goalkeeper. Both clubs postponed the final medical until after Ederson’s World Cup duties with Brazil. United then requested a deeper scan, and within 48 hours announced they would not proceed. Italian sources say Atalanta are confident the keeper is fit, suggesting United’s change of heart aligns with growing interest in Kone.

Who is Manu Kone and why is he attractive?

Kone, a 23‑year‑old midfielder for Roma, impressed at the 2026 World Cup, displacing Aurelien Tchaouameni in France’s starting XI. His box‑to‑box energy mirrors Ederson’s defensive midfield role, offering United a versatile option. With a market value now hovering around €55 million, a single signing would be far cheaper than buying both a keeper and a midfielder for close to €100 million.

How does this affect United’s squad and finances?

Dropping the €45 million outlay frees up budget for a single, high‑impact player. United already have Benjamin Šeško and Manuel Ugarte sidelined, so adding Kone could bolster depth ahead of a busy schedule. The club sits third in the Premier League with 71 points, a 14‑point gap to leaders Arsenal, and recent form of WWWDW shows they are still chasing consistency.

What’s next for United’s transfer plans?

If Atalanta’s deal is truly dead, United are expected to submit a proposal to Roma within days. Negotiations will likely centre on a base fee plus performance clauses, mirroring the structure of the aborted Ederson deal. Should the Kone move materialise, United will have a fresh midfield engine for the upcoming clash with AC Milan at Old Trafford on August 15.

United’s last result, a 3‑0 victory over Brighton on May 24, underlines their attacking potential – 69 goals scored and 50 conceded this season – but the midfield still needs reinforcement. The Kone signing could be the missing piece to sustain their push for a top‑four finish.