Looking to get one over on their Premier League rivals, Manchester United have now reportedly jumped ahead of Cheslea in the race to sign a young defender this month.

Man Utd still targeting reinforcements

For a team coming off the back of their worst-ever finish in the Premier League, Manchester United have enjoyed an excellent summer transfer window. The addition of Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha should transform Ruben Amorim’s attack from entriely blunt into one of the sharpest in the so-called top six.

There were plenty of promising signs from Cunha and Mbeumo last weekend, in particular. Even as Arsenal stole a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford, it was clear that the Red Devils were the better side on the day and deserved at least a point, if not all three.

Amorim reacted to the opening day defeat with plenty of pride, praising his players for their bravery and aggression in a marked improvement from last season.

“We were more aggressive than last year. We sprint more. We were more brave. We let one against one all the game. We pressed high. And then with the ball, we have quality.

“Even when the stadium makes some sounds, we continue to play the way we play. We lost fewer balls in the build-up, compared to last year, was [where] we struggled a lot.

“And then the small things that we talk about in the beginning of this season, that players like [Matheus] Cunha, like Bryan [Mbeumo], in one moment can elevate the stadium. So, I think the most important thing, we were not boring.”

There is still plenty of work to be done and improvements to be made, however, which could come courtesy of the transfer window. The Red Devils are still reportedly targeting deals to sign Senne Lammens and a Lucien Agoume as they aim to address two problem areas, whilst also setting their sights on a future star.

Man Utd jump ahead of Chelsea in Bright Ede race

As reported by Polish journalist Sebastian Staszewski, Manchester United are now ahead of Chelsea in the race to sign Bright Ede from Motor Lublin this month. The 18-year-old defender has impressed in his home country and is reportedly valued at around €8.5m (£7m) as Lublin potentially cash-in ahead of the deadline.

Those at Old Trafford aren’t alone in pursuit of Ede’s signature, though. Whilst Chelsea and Benfica have paused talks, an unnamed Italian club are also reportedly interested in signing the young defender to hand United some frustrating competition.

United’s interest in Ede should come as little surprise. INEOS have focused on welcoming young players and partiucularly young defenders since arriving, having already signed Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven. Now, they could add a third young prospect to their backline in the form of the Polish defender.

Compared to Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhaes by scout Jacek Kulig, Manchester United would be landing an undeniable hidden gem if Ede went on and reached the same level as the dominant Brazilian in the Premier League.