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

For perhaps the first time since 2023, Manchester United are heading into the summer transfer window on a positive note, enjoying the end of the season under Michael Carrick.

Three years ago, Erik ten Hag’s first campaign hit a rough patch, between Europa League exit and FA Cup final defeat, although there was progress, following a third-place finish and a first trophy in six years after lifting the Carabao Cup.

There was a sense that the club was ready to start after that, although the business that followed proved to be ill-advised, with deals for Andre Onana, Rasmus Hojlund and Mason Mount all following him.

Casemiro was reportedly disappointed by the lack of quality that summer, having seen Harry Kane join Bayern Munich, and Declan Rice go to Arsenal.

The Red Devils are probably still paying the price for not getting Rice, in particular, to ensure that an elite midfielder is needed in 2026.

Man Utd are already in talks to sign the Premier League captain

Hopefully the signing of the Atalanta player is just the same as three years ago, with Brazilian midfielder Ederson looking to all but follow Hojlund in a move to Manchester Bergamo.

He feels that the 26-year-old’s arrival is now a matter of when and if it won’t happen, which proves a normal deal considering he only has 12 months left on his contract and won’t be heading to the World Cup this summer.

That doesn’t mean Ederson is the man to quickly replace Casemiro in the starting line-up, perhaps promoting Manuel Ugarte, amid uncertainty over the Uruguayan’s future.

As for Casemiro’s direct successor, journalist Ben Jacobs – speaking to United Stand – revealed that INEOS has actually considered another Brazilian star, in the form of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United.

According to Jacobs, the Red Devils have already had “constructive discussions” about a possible move for the Lyon man, although it seems unlikely that the deal will go ahead.

The 28-year-old’s age is said to be an obstacle, although that is the only thing, United would be wise to reconsider.

Why Guimaraes could be a significant upgrade for Ederson

There are already alarm bells ringing over Ederson’s signing, especially after the former Torino midfielder was left out of Carlo Ancelotti’s World Cup squad.

The vision of an aging Fabinho, now at Saudi side Al Ittihad, who was selected ahead of him is no doubt, the one-time Liverpool man who looked set to decline when he left Anfield two years ago.

Perhaps Brazil will live to regret not selecting Ederson this summer, however that omission speaks to his current status in the game, he is not considered a true star.

It’s fine if he simply gives a step to Ugarte, but United’s priority should always be a real marquee addition, something Guimaraes can provide.

Of course, at 28, the Magpies’ captain would not be a long-term replacement in the style of Elliot Anderson, but considering Ederson will turn 27 this summer, it would be foolish to let that count against him.

For those who have seen Guimaraes’ talismanic performances at St James’ Park over the past four and a half years, there is much to be excited about, with the South American machine hailed as “one of the best midfielders in the world” by fellow international, Gabriel Martinelli.

There have been suggestions, according to BBC Sport’s Tim Vickery, that Ederson is in the same midfield position as the Newcastle man, but the difference is clear, especially in an attacking sense.

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

In comparison, Ederson’s Serie A campaign saw him score twice and register one assist, while creating just three ‘big chances’ and averaging just 0.8 passes per game.

Both men could thrive as a number six or in a box-to-box eight role, however Guimaraes is just a cut above, and there isn’t much to separate the pair defensively, with the Newcastle man’s 2.6 tackles and interceptions per game just behind that of his team-mate (2.9).

Guimaraes is equally workmanlike and combative, yet he excels in the final third, truly representing a complete midfielder and one of the best in his position in the division.

Say what you want about Anderson, Sandro Tonali and others, but if you want someone who has consistently delivered for a few seasons now in the Premier League, Guimaraes is your man.