Manchester United's first summer deal collapses as Ederson move falls through

Manchester United’s first major signing of the summer has collapsed, with the deal to bring Brazilian midfielder Ederson from Atalanta falling through. The news comes as the club pursues a naming rights deal for its new £2bn stadium and eyes a move for Nottingham Forest full-back Neco Williams.United had already struck a deal to sign Ederson, but the transfer has now collapsed, according to reports. The blow arrives as United’s New Stadium Development chief executive, Collette Roche, confirmed the club will explore a naming rights deal for the 100,000-capacity stadium as part of a “sanity, not vanity” approach. Roche said the club is focused on maximising revenue to help keep ticket prices affordable, adding: “It’s an important revenue stream and something we’ve discussed with our fan advisory board.” United are more than £1.3bn in debt due to legacy costs from the Glazer takeover in 2005, a revolving credit limit and outstanding transfer payments. The stadium, to be built on land acquired last month 350 yards from Old Trafford, is part of a 370-acre development expected to create 48,000 jobs and 15,000 homes.Meanwhile, United are reportedly eyeing a move for Nottingham Forest’s Neco Williams, a 25-year-old Wales international who came through United’s youth ranks before joining Liverpool in 2007. Williams, who signed a long-term deal with Forest until 2029 last July, has attracted interest from both United and Newcastle United. The full-back previously explained his decision to choose Liverpool over United at age nine: “All my family are United supporters, so everyone thought I would choose them, but I chose Liverpool. It came down to where I felt most comfortable and at that time it was Liverpool.”