Manchester United may have finally discovered the answer to one of their biggest tactical problems.
United head coach Michael Carrick was recently asked how he plans to unlock stubborn opponents who sit deep and deny space.
The Red Devils were impressive against big teams last season, beating Manchester City and Arsenal in January.
They also defeated Liverpool at Anfield but frustratingly dropped points against Leeds United, Everton and West Ham United.
One of United’s biggest weaknesses throughout the campaign was their inability to consistently break down compact low-block defences.
A midfield partnership of Andrey Santos and Kobbie Mainoo could finally provide the creativity and technical quality needed to solve that issue.
Santos is expected to complete his move to Old Trafford from Chelsea in a deal worth £50 million. He has already successfully completed his medical.
Technical brilliance could unlock stubborn defences
Mainoo is a press-resistant midfielder with outstanding composure in tight spaces.
He played slightly deeper in the final few games of last season to compensate for Casemiro’s lack of mobility.
The arrival of Santos should allow Mainoo to return to his preferred number eight position, where he can influence games much higher up the pitch.
Santos is an intelligent ball distributor whose low centre of gravity enables him to glide away from pressure with remarkable ease.
Unlike traditional destroyers such as Casemiro or Aurelien Tchouameni, Santos thrives through technical quality and possession rather than sheer physicality.
When United dominate possession in advanced areas, the chemistry between Santos and Mainoo could become one of their biggest attacking weapons.
The Brazilian also possesses an excellent eye for incisive through balls, although he naturally prefers making lower-risk decisions from deeper positions (not a negative quality for a holding midfielder).
His ability to consistently break opposition lines with progressive passing could become a major asset.
Carrick has already shown enormous faith in Mainoo, and if Santos continues his impressive development, he could soon receive exactly the same level of trust from the United head coach.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com