Man United summer target Ederson breaks silence over failed move to Old Trafford – revealing he passed medical so ‘doesn’t know what happened’
Atalanta midfielder Ederson has attempted to shed some light on why his move to Man United collapsed earlier this summer.
Ederson, 27, was set to join the Red Devils for £39million as part of their midfield rebuild.
However, in early July, United pulled the plug on the transfer after it emerged that the 27-year-old’s initial medical had revealed a knee problem.
And Ederson, who subsequently signed a new contract with Atalanta, has admitted he is still confused as to why the deal didn’t go through.
‘I honestly don’t know what happened,’ he said ahead of Atalanta’s Conference League play-off clash against Hapoel Tel Aviv on Thursday.
‘I always had interest from other clubs, and I could’ve gone to another English side.
Ederson has attempted to shed some light on why his move to Man United collapsed
The Atalanta midfielder was set to join United until the Red Devils pulled the plug on the move
‘The tests went well, I don’t know what changed. I’ve been with Atalanta for four years and always played.
‘I could’ve just waited to see what happened, but the great rapport with the club convinced me to stay and sign a new contract.’
At the time, United insiders insisted that it was the club’s intention to complete the transfer in early July after the structure of the deal and personal terms were agreed with Atalanta and the player.
However, Ederson received a late call-up for Brazil’s World Cup squad from coach Carlo Ancelotti after Roma defender Wesley was injured, forcing United to conduct the first part of the medical in the US.
After the knee problem emerged and a full medical was scheduled with the input of specialists after Brazil’s exit from the tournament, United decided not to go through with the deal on the agreed terms.
Sources, who expressed sympathy for the player and his family, categorically denied United called it off before the full medical.
However, there was enough uncertainty for United to start making progress on other potential targets.
United instead made a move for Youri Tielemans, and also signed Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £50m.
They are similarly hoping to add Brighton’s Carlos Baleba before the end of the transfer window.
Ederson has made 180 appearances for Atalanta over the past four seasons, with the midfielder featuring 41 times in all competitions in 2025-26.
United backed out after the midfielder’s initial medical in the US revealed a knee problem
Despite the setback, the 27-year-old appeared to be at peace and outlined his excitement for the coming campaign.
He added: ‘I had lovely moments going to the World Cup with Brazil, and then… I still don’t know what happened to be honest.
‘But the important thing is that I was able to deal with the situation, return with the right mentality and give my all to the club that gave me so much.
‘I am still Ederson, everyone knows me here and what I can do, they know I will always give my all.’
Ederson continued: ‘I am very happy to remain with Atalanta, I really thank the club and (CEO) Luca Percassi.
‘They called me many times, I felt they were by my side, but even though I had interest from other clubs, after everything that happened, I thought it was best to stick with who really wanted me, and that was always Atalanta.
‘I was happy to wear the jersey that has given me so much joy.’