Man Utd transfer target sends 'absolutely certain' social media message hours after Ederson move called off

Ederson's transfer to Manchester United is currently off, and one of Michael Carrick's targets has posted a message on social media hours after the news broke.

Ederson was expected to join Man United this summer in a deal worth £35million plus £4million in add-ons.

The 26-year-old agreed personal terms with the 20-time Premier League champions and was set to sign a four-year contract with the option of an additional 12 months.

A deal was expected to go through following Brazil's elimination from the World Cup, with only a medical standing in his way of sealing a switch to Old Trafford.

But in a shock turn on Friday evening, Fabrizio Romano revealed on X that Ederson's transfer to Man United is off. A different report even claimed that a knee injury the midfielder is said to be carrying was the reason United pulled the plug.

Man United have since turned their attention to Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes. The Red Devils hierarchy are long-term admirers of the 25-year-old, who has become one of the Premier League's best ball-winning midfielders since moving to Molineux in January 2023.

Interestingly, Gomes was set to join Atletico Madrid for (€45million/£38.3m) and had already agreed his salary and contract length, according to Globo.

However, the Spanish giants also had another agreement with super agent Jorge Mendes involving Bernardo Silva, who ended up joining Real Madrid. Atletico were upset by this, and a move for Gomes was cancelled.

Taking to social media after his big-money move to the LaLiga side broke down, the Brazilian posted a cryptic message on X.

"I am absolutely certain that God has the best in store for me," Gomes wrote, accompanied by a folded hands emoji.

Gomes is still at Wolves after a switch to Atletico Madrid broke down, and his current side are preparing for a season in the Championship following relegation.

Matheus Cunha's comments on Joao Gomes

It's improbable that Gomes will be playing for the Old Gold in the second tier next season, even after his move to the Spanish capital failed.

United's interest in the ball-winning machine suggests there is a direct route back to the Premier League, as he aspires to play Champions League football.

Encouragingly for United, Matheus Cunha believes his former teammate at Wolves is similar in style to Casemiro, who departed Old Trafford on a free transfer after four years at the club this summer.

"He is a bit older now, but I put Casemiro’s name there only to show where Joao Gomes could arrive," the 27-year-old said.

Cunha also showered the 10-cap Brazil international with praise, admitting that he made him feel 'secure' on the pitch during his time at Molineux.

“I think Joao has the possibility to arrive. He is very humble, and he works a lot. The good teams come like a gift when you do that," he added.

“He is unbelievable on the pitch. I feel very secure. I feel like I can lose the ball when I have my midfielders behind me. He played very well for the national team, too.”

Cunha joined Manchester United from Wolves last summer, and there is a possibility Gomes could follow suit.