Will Carrick's first signing address the hole he left behind?

Will Carrick's first signing address the hole he left behind?Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Atalanta midfielder Ederson could become Manchester United's 19th central midfield signing since they bought Michael Carrick from Tottenham in 2006BySimon StoneManchester United reporterPublishedJust nowIt will be a neat coincidence if it turns out Manchester United's first signing since Michael Carrick was confirmed as their new permanent head coach turns out to be a central midfielder.There are few clues coming out of Old Trafford about the club's efforts to sign Ederson from Atalanta, but it is anticipated the Brazilian's £35m transfer will be completed pretty soon.That will take United's spending on central midfield players alone to almost £580m since Carrick himself joined the club from Tottenham Hotspur in 2006, with the likelihood of more to follow.United have made strengthening their midfield a priority this summer.Brazil international Casemiro, 34, has left the club as his contract is due to expire on 30 June.Manuel Ugarte, a £42.5m signing from Paris St-Germain in August 2024, was an unused substitute in the final-day win at Brighton and has not played a minute since starting the disappointing home defeat by Leeds on 13 April. There are major doubts over whether the Uruguay international will still be at the club next season.Kobbie Mainoo is the only other experienced central midfielder in Carrick's squad. Nineteen-year-old twins Jack and Tyler Fletcher made their debuts this season, while 18-year-old Jacob Devaney excelled on loan at Scottish Premiership outfit St Mirren over the second half of the season.All three academy graduates are well regarded and likely to be involved in the start of United's pre-season campaign, which begins against Wrexham in Helsinki on 18 July. Conversations on their short-term futures will take place later in the summer, but realistically none of them are likely to be given a regular st...