Manchester United Target Atalanta Star As Bruno Fernandes Faces Lengthy Spell On Sidelines
Manchester United are targeting a midfield signing this January after Bruno Fernandes' latest injury concern.
Louis Fargher
Updated on 22 December 2025
Manchester United have stepped up their interest in Atalanta midfielder Ederson as Bruno Fernandes Faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Bruno Fernandes Faces Lengthy Absence
Bruno Fernandes is set to be ruled out for over a month after suffering a hamstring injury during Manchester United’s 2-1 defeat by Aston Villa on December 21st.
The Portuguese international showed some clear discomfort in the opening stages of the match, holding the back of his thigh and Ruben Amorim had no choice but to substitute his captain at half-time.
Fernandes has been an ever-present member of the Manchester United midfield, missing just three matches through injury since joining the Red Devils in January 2020.
Losing their star talisman will be a major issue for United as Kobbie Mainoo, Harry Maguire and Matthijs De Ligt are also dealing with injury concerns.
Bryan Mbeumo, Noussair Mazraoui and Amad Diallo are away on international duty at the African Cup Of Nations, meaning the Red Devils will be on the hunt for reinforcements in January.
Amorim will also be aware of the rumors around Joshua Zirkzee, as Roma prepare a €40million bid for the Dutchman – leaving the club’s attacking options extremely thin.
Multiple names have been linked with a move to Old Trafford in the opening month of 2026, as the Red Devils look to build on a far better season in comparison to last year.
United sit seventh in the Premier League just three-points off a Champions League position, but there are still questions over Amorim’s position.
Despite these concerns, the Red Devils are expected to back their manager in the January window and Amorim has reportedly targeted Atalanta star Ederson.
Manchester United Prepare Ederson Bid
The Brazilian midfielder has been on Manchester United’s radar for multiple transfer windows and has expressed an interest to play in the Premier League.
Ederson appeared to be set on a move away from Atalanta during the opening stages of this season after failing to form a strong relationship with Ivan Juric.
However, Juric was eventually relieved of his duties after a run of poor results and Raffaele Palladino has managed to turn things around since taking the reins in Bergamo in November.
The former Fiorentina manager has won six of his opening eight matches so far and is starting to rebuild the relationship with the likes of Ederson and Ademola Lookman.
Lookman is one of the 21 Serie A players that have traveled to AFCON and the Nigerian will be a big loss for Atalanta, which means losing Ederson will not be a welcome decision by Atalanta fans.
However, Manchester United are reportedly prioritizing a midfielder in January after Bruno Fernandes’ injury and are willing to submit a substantial offer for Ederson.
The Brazilian still has multiple years on his deal in Serie A and La Dea are reportedly unwilling to consider any offer below €45m.
Louis Fargher
Louis has been an avid soccer enthusiast for multiple years and boasts knowledge across several leagues in Europe - including Serie A. Louis holds a degree in Soccer Journalism and has produced content for multiple clubs in the United Kingdom.
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