Ederson’s World Cup Call Delays Carrick’s First Signing

Manchester United’s first major move of the Michael Carrick era is colliding head-on with the World Cup.

Ederson, the Atalanta midfielder earmarked as Carrick’s first permanent signing, has been drafted late into Brazil’s squad for the 2026 tournament, a twist that threatens to push back the final steps of his move to Old Trafford.

The 26-year-old was initially left out of the Selecao group, only to receive a late call after Roma right-back Wesley suffered injury. Brazil turned to Ederson, a player with three caps to his name but none since 2025, and summoned him to join the squad in North America.

United have already done the hard part. A deal is in place with Atalanta for an initial £35 million fee, with Ederson identified as the man to anchor Carrick’s midfield after Casemiro’s departure. The profile fits: a defensive midfielder in his prime, schooled in Serie A intensity, stepping into a squad that has badly needed fresh legs and aggression at the base of midfield.

The plan had been simple. Get the transfer wrapped up early, hand Carrick his first signing, and have Ederson in from the start of pre-season. The World Cup has changed the rhythm.

United still intend to finalise the move imminently, but any hopes of Carrick working with his new midfielder on the training pitch before the tournament are gone. Instead, Ederson’s first touches in United red will likely be delayed until after Brazil’s campaign ends and he reports back for pre-season.

His call-up also nudges United’s World Cup presence up another notch. The club already have 12 players at the 2026 finals; once the deal is officially confirmed, Ederson will effectively become their 13th representative at the tournament.

For Carrick, the message is clear enough. His rebuild is under way, his first signing is chosen, and the midfield succession plan after Casemiro is in motion. The only question now is how Ederson returns from the biggest stage of all – and how quickly he can turn a World Cup summer into a commanding autumn at Old Trafford.