A Chelsea expert insists new Manchester United signing Andrey Santos can overshadow two of his former Chelsea teammates.
The Brazilian became MUFC’s first summer arrival after completing a £48 million plus £2 million from the Blues.
24 hours later, he was followed by Youri Tielemans, who sealed a transfer from Aston Villa thanks to a £35 million release clause.
Can Andrey Santos overtake Enzo Fernandez & Caicedo?
The new Man Utd duo joined a department that was depleted by Casemiro’s departure and Manuel Ugarte’s long-term injury, leaving Kobbie Mainoo as the only available survivor from last season. Therefore, one more midfield addition is expected before the end of the summer, with Manu Kone and Alex Scott considered the main targets.
But while most fans and pundits expect Tielemans to play a key role in Michael Carrick’s plans next season, the opinion on Santos remains split, especially since the latter played second fiddle to Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo last season.
However, Chelsea correspondent Bobby Vincent believes the 22-year-old has what it takes to surpass his two former teammates, insisting Man Utd have struck a true bargain.
“Santos has the potential to become a better player than Caicedo and Fernandez in the future, but last season it made more sense to give them more minutes on the pitch,” he told the Manchester Evening News.
“The fee has split many Chelsea fans. Some see him as a really bright talent with a sky-high ceiling, while others think he struggled last season and the club were right to cash in. I lean more towards the former.”
Andrey Santos produced some tidy moments for Manchester United against Wrexham, showing smart movement to free himself, crisp passing, top awareness and real composure to operate under pressure in tight spaces. pic.twitter.com/iBImvPy2fH
— Edward Stratmann (@EdwardStratmann) July 19, 2026
Vincent feels Santos can become a top-notch player if he fulfils expectations, suggesting that this sale could return to haunt Chelsea in the future.
“I think Santos can become a top-class central midfielder in the future, and while £50m might seem a lot, is it actually given some of the prices we’ve seen this summer for players in similar positions?”
“Some [Chelsea fans] are [frustrated], yeah, because of what I just said. He has the potential to become a really good central midfielder.
“Also, because they’re selling to a direct Premier League rival, this move definitely has the potential to bite them in the future. If Santos lives up to his full potential, Manchester United have got themselves a proper bargain.”
Can Santos become an immediate starter at Man Utd?
At this stage, the feeling is that Michael Carrick will ideally try to combine Mainoo and Tielemans in the double pivot.
Nevertheless, the 44-year-old is anything but stubborn, often giving equal opportunities to all players.
With Santos starting pre-season early, he will likely be United’s most in-shape midfielder by the time the Premier League kicks off, as Mainoo and Tielemans won’t return before August, while the identity of the fourth midfielder remains anyone’s guess.
Hence, it will be up to the battling midfielder to capitalise on the opportunity and convince Carrick he should start week in, week out.
Michel is a football journalist based in Beirut who has been passionately following Man United for over 20 years. He is a Law graduate and a member of the Beirut Bar Association. In addition to writing for Utd Report, he is also the Head Writer for The Laziali has been a Featured Writer on other websites including Juve FC, and The Cult of Calcio, and Stretty News.
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