Leon Osman believes Manchester City should help protect Ederson by buying defensive reinforcements in the summer.
The Benfica stopper is understood to be undertaking a medical at City, with an announcement expected to be made on Wednesday.
The former Everton midfielder uses the example of David De Gea when highlighting how difficult it can be for foreign goalkeepers to adjust to the Premier League, and Osman believes Pep Guardiola would benefit from following the same path as United when they purchased the Spaniard in 2014.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Osman said: "De Gea, who's gone on to be the best goalkeeper in the Premier League at the moment, was a bit shaky at first.
"I think what Pep Guardiola needs to do is to get a top class defence in front of this goalkeeper.
"He needs protection because David de Gea had that when he first stepped in.
"When he made his mistakes his defence was there to help him, to speak to him and he ended up getting better.
"If Manchester City don't buy properly in defensive areas, then this young goalkeeper will be exposed more than he should be in his first season."
Source: tribalfootball.com