Man Utd face Ederson transfer delay as he receives World Cup call-up following injury

Manchester United's pursuit of Ederson is set to be delayed after the midfielder received a late call-up to Brazil's World Cup squad.

The 26-year-old, who is expected to join United this summer in a deal worth £35 million plus £4 million in add-ons, was left out of Carlo Ancelotti's 26-man squad, despite being named on the preliminary list.

After an impressive campaign for Serie A side Atalanta, many questioned Ancelotti's decision to snub the midfielder.

But on Sunday evening, it was confirmed that Ederson would replace Wesley in the squad, after the Roma full-back suffered an injury just 15 minutes into their pre-World Cup friendly against Egypt on Saturday.

A statement from the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed the 22-year-old would not take part in the tournament after an MRI scan revealed a muscle injury to the adductor muscle in his left thigh.

Ederson is set to join up with his Brazil teammates on Monday ahead of their opener against Morocco on June 13.

Ederson has three caps for his country. Image credit: Getty

Ederson's transfer to Manchester United set to be delayed as a result of World Cup call-up

Manchester United fans will need to be patient after Ederson's summer was turned upside down following the call-up.

As reported by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the midfielder will sign for United this summer, but the deal will only be made official in July – and that could be delayed further if Brazil progress to the latter stages.

United were hoping to complete their move for the player sooner, according to the Standard.

READ MORE: Ederson could be handed rare Man Utd squad number only worn by eight players

Ederson backed to thrive at Manchester United by AC Milan midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek

Many have praised United's decision to chase a move for Ederson, including former Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who played against the Brazilian when Atalanta came up against AC Milan this season.

“He'll do just fine," Loftus-Cheek told Sky Sports. "The times we've played against each other, he's been very physical. He's quick, he's strong, he's good on the ball. I think he'll do really well – he's a good signing.”

So, what will Ederson bring to Michael Carrick's midfield following the departure of Casemiro? The 26-year-old is versatile but often plays as a deep-lying midfielder. He can also push further forward as a No.8.

"My features are the ability to keep the ball, and the strength," he said after signing for Atalanta in 2022. "I can play both defensive and attacking football. I find it easy to attack the space."