Man Utd in “face-to-face talks” to sign new recruits

Manchester United's position as third-placed team in the Premier League was already guaranteed going into Sunday's 4pm kick-off but that did not matter to Michael Carrick's men.

The word 'on the beach' was heard on the last day of the league but the Red Devils remained professional to leave Brighton & Hove Albion with ease, winning 3-0.

At the center of that victory was Bruno Fernandes. He broke the South Coast assist and goal record as United finished the campaign in style.

Another important thing in this game is how easily they won without Casemiro. They made the decision to leave Brazil out of the group; his last game was last weekend at Old Trafford.

It shows well post-Casemiro's life that they won easily but they need to find a long-term solution.

Man United in team-to-team talks to sign new players

With Carrick confirmed as the club's new manager, the transfer window can now be looked at. Word is that the new manager is already working behind the scenes on newcomers Jason Wilcox and Co.

United's shortlist is no secret. Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson is top of the list but any chance they have of signing the England midfielder is slim. Rivals Manchester City are at the front of the queue and are likely to pay the £100m that is said to be required to prize him away from the City Ground.

This led them to look at a number of other options, including West Ham's Mateus Fernandes. At 21 years old, he is one of the best midfielders in the game. That said, it's still rather green.

The same cannot be said for Ederson. In recent weeks it has emerged that they have agreed personal terms with the player and his camp.

Now, however, United and Atalanta are in talks to agree a fee and finalize the transfer details.

That's according to Fabrizio Romano. Speaking on his YouTube channel on Sunday evening, the journalist said: “We know that Ederson is waiting for Manchester United. There is already an agreement between Ederson and United regarding personal details. He would be very happy to join. Man United had face-to-face talks with Atalanta in Italy a few days ago.”

Why Ederson is the proven solution Man United need

Last summer, there was a clear order to strengthen Ruben Amorim's team. To their credit, management has done a pretty good job over the last 12 months.

In Senne Lammens, they signed an unproven goalkeeper but he proved to be a better player than the mistake of walking Andre Onana.

However, it was at the other end of the field where the most impressive work was done. There is no doubt that the tent building last year was Bryan Mbeumo.

This was a Sir Alex Ferguson deal if ever there was one. Fergie loved signing players from within the Premier League; it was the basis of his success at Old Trafford.

Mbeumo arrived in Manchester after a 20-goal season at Brentford and was joined by Matheus Cunha, another proven Premier League talent.

Although the Brazilian did not put it in the same form as his team-mate up front, he enjoyed a fantastic campaign with Wolves, scoring 15 goals in the top flight.

You may wonder why this has anything to do with Ederson? However, the important thing is that they are all proven. They all know their games inside and out.

For years, United's recruitment has been questionable. They were signing unproven players like Antony, like Joshua Zirkzee, like Rasmus Hojlund. It didn't go well.

However, last summer marked the return of common sense in the transfer window. Sign proven players and Premier League players, in particular, and you decide on a long period of adaptation.

Well, Ederson may not tick the Premier League box but at 26, he's proven. He is currently the same age as Mbeumo and Cunha. That counts for something.

On that basis, he will be an important player, especially as they look for a replacement for Casemiro. Described as “the most powerful midfielder in the world” by Italian football content creator Damiano Er Faina, he has honed his skills in Serie A for several years now and looks set for England football.

The Brazilian ranks in the top 13% of midfielders in Europe's top five leagues in ground duels won with 2.29 out of 90. He also ranks in the top 14% of players in the same league in rebounding with 1.57 per 90.

For that reason, he will provide more power than Casemiro could do at the bottom of Carrick's pitch. The club's defensive midfielder won 2.32 duels out of 90 this season, just a fraction more than Ederson but he only registered 0.35 continuous balls. It's night and day about that metric.

Some may worry that Ederson has never played for England before but this is no Manuel Ugarte; This is a player who is in his prime and ready to rule the Premier League like Mbeumo and Cunha did in United red.