Man Utd in talks to sign “one of the best CMs in the world”

Perhaps for the first time since 2023, Manchester United head into a summer transfer window on stable footing, having enjoyed a serene end to the season under Michael Carrick.

Three years ago, Erik ten Hag’s debut campaign did hit the skids somewhat, amid a Europa League exit and FA Cup final defeat, although the progress was there to see, following the Dutchman’s own third-place finish and a first trophy win in six years after lifting the Carabao Cup.

It was felt that the club were ready to kick on thereafter, although the subsequent business proved so misguided, with marquee deals for Andre Onana, Rasmus Hojlund and Mason Mount all backfiring.

Casemiro, reportedly, was disappointed by the lack of truly elite arrivals that summer, having notably seen Harry Kane join Bayern Munich, while Declan Rice made the move to Arsenal.

The Red Devils are perhaps still paying the price for not securing Rice, in particular, ensuring a truly standout midfielder is a must in 2026.

Man Utd have already held talks to sign Premier League captain

Hopefully, the signing of a player from Atalanta is the only parallel to three years ago, with Brazilian midfielder, Ederson, looking all but certain to follow Hojlund in trading Bergamo for Manchester.

The feeling is that the 26-year-old’s arrival is now a matter of when and not if, this proving a relatively routine deal considering he has just 12 months left on his contract and won’t be heading to the World Cup this summer.

That’s not to say Ederson is the man to immediately replace compatriot, Casemiro, in the starting lineup, perhaps more an upgrade on Manuel Ugarte, amid uncertainty over the Uruguayan’s future.

In terms of a more direct successor to Casemiro, journalist Ben Jacobs – speaking to the United Stand – did reveal that INEOS have actually considered another Brazil star, in the form of Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes.

According to Jacobs, the Red Devils already held “formative talks” regarding a potential move for the ex-Lyon man, albeit with it currently looking unlikely that a deal will progress.

The 28-year-old’s age is said to be something of an obstacle, although if that is the only issue, United would be wise to think again.

Why Guimaraes would be a significant upgrade on Ederson

There are already alarm bells ringing regarding the signing of Ederson, particularly after the former Torino midfielder was omitted from Carlo Ancelotti’s World Cup squad.

The sight of an ageing Fabinho, now at Saudi side Al Ittihad, being selected ahead of him is no doubt concerning, the one-time Liverpool man having looked to be on the decline when leaving Anfield two years ago.

Maybe Brazil will live to regret not selecting Ederson this summer, yet that omission speaks to his current standing in the game, not considered a true superstar.

That’s okay if he is merely providing a step up on Ugarte, but United’s priority should remain a truly marquee addition, something which Guimaraes would certainly offer.

Yes, at 28, the Magpies skipper wouldn’t exactly be an Elliot Anderson-style, long-term replacement, but when considering Ederson turns 27 himself this summer, it would be foolish to let that count against him.

For those who have witnessed Guimaraes’ talismanic performances at St James’ Park over the last four-and-a-half years, there’s plenty to be excited about, with the South American machine lauded as “one of the best midfielders in the world” by international colleague, Gabriel Martinelli.

There has been the suggestion, as per BBC Sport’s Tim Vickery, that Ederson is in a similar mould of midfielder to the Newcastle man, but the difference really is stark, particularly in an attacking sense.

This season, for instance, Guimaraes netted nine goals and five assists in the Premier League, creating seven ‘big chances’ and averaging 1.6 key passes per game.

For comparison, Ederson’s Serie A campaign saw him score twice and register only one assist, while having created just three ‘big chances’ and averaged only 0.8 key passes per game.

Both men can flourish either as a number six or in a more box-to-box number eight role, yet Guimaraes is simply a cut above, while there’s also not much to split the pair defensively, with the Newcastle man’s 2.6 tackles and interceptions per game only just behind that of his compatriot (2.9).

Guimaraes is similarly workmanlike and combative, yet is so superior in the final third, truly representing the complete midfielder and one of the leading figures in his position in the division.

Talk of Anderson, Sandro Tonali and co all you want, but if looking for a figure who has consistently delivered for a number of seasons now in the Premier League, Guimaraes is your man.