Our staff writers offer their thoughts on Manchester United’s first signing of the summer.
Colin Damms: More Promising Ederson Alternative
Manchester United’s approach to the transfer window appeared slow at first, with the only move lined up being Atalanta and Brazil midfielder Ederson. He was seen as the third midfielder in a window that would also target a premium signing and an experienced depth option.
There was some concern over Ederson’s upside given he was already 27-years-old. He checked boxes in terms of experience, but the long-term vision didn’t seem to be there in terms of value beyond his first few years, and if he wasn’t considered a top player already then what was the point?
With Andrey Santos, the club brings in a player with experience playing in the top leagues as well as future value, whether in selling him on or developing him into a first-team mainstay. Santos, 22, already produced at a high level for Strasbourg before he made 27 Premier League appearances for Chelsea last season. He didn’t make himself a threat to the playing time of of Enzo Fernández or Moises Caicedo, but he proved a reliable option as a deep-lying midfielder who could cover ground and who wasn’t afraid of the ball in possession with an eye to pass the ball forward.
Santos proved to be inexpensive and at the very least is a dependable replacement for Manuel Ugarte in a midfield depth chart that desperately needed bodies.
Nathan Heintschel: Young Casemiro? Is that you?
Every reboot in film and television nowadays tends to include original cast members paired with a new, younger cast that fits the same character archetypes as we witness a prolonged changing of the guard storyline. I can’t help but be reminded of this phenomenon when I hear and read comments like Andy Mitten’s, suggesting Santos has potential to be Brazil’s next No. 6.
Could we be so lucky to have wished happy trails to Casemiro in an unforgettable final stretch of his United career before bringing in his spiritual (and potentially physical) successor a month later?
I’ve liked everything I’ve read about Santos. He also checks a lot of boxes in a vacuum. Tidy, competent player? Check. Young? Check. Played in the Premier League? Check. Fulfills the meme of, “just go pick a Ligue 1 club and sign their best midfielder”? If his loan move from Chelsea to Strasbourg counts, then check. Does he fill a position of need in the midfield? CHECK.
When you combine Santos’ signing for roughly £50 million with the £35 million signing of Youri Tielemans, it feels like really good business considering Mateus Fernandes went to Tottenham for the combined cost of both of them. United need all the midfielders they can get. Bringing it back to the exhausted reboot metaphor, let’s all hope Santos is more Ocean’s Eleven (2001) and less Star Wars sequel trilogy.
P.S. It’s also very funny to do some roundabout math and convince yourself that Chelsea’s purchase of Alejandro Garnacho last summer funded this purchase of Santos. It almost(!) makes up for the Mason Mount fleecing.
Vince: Flexible option with a Motor
Andrey Santos has quickly become one of Manchester United’s most exciting additions, bringing youthful energy and a complete midfield skill set to Michael Carrick’s side. Signed from Chelsea after an impressive rise through European football, the Brazilian has added intensity, technical quality, and maturity well beyond his years. Whether breaking up opposition attacks or driving the ball forward, Santos has already shown why United invested heavily in one of Brazil’s brightest young midfielders. His arrival comes at the perfect time as the club reshapes its midfield following Casemiro’s departure and Manuel Ugarte’s long-term injury.
What separates Santos from many young midfielders is his ability to influence both sides of the game. Defensively, he covers ground relentlessly, wins tackles, and reads passing lanes with remarkable intelligence. In possession, he is calm under pressure, progressive with his passing, and never afraid to carry the ball through midfield to launch attacks. That versatility has given Carrick greater tactical flexibility, allowing Santos to operate as a holding midfielder, a box-to-box presence, or alongside fellow newcomer Youri Tielemans in a balanced partnership that combines creativity with defensive stability.
While his statistics will certainly attract attention throughout the season, Santos’ greatest contribution may be the balance he brings to Manchester United’s midfield. Every successful team needs players willing to do the hard work that often goes unnoticed, and Santos embraces that responsibility while still possessing the quality to create memorable moments. If he continues to develop at his current rate, Manchester United may have secured not only one of the Premier League’s best young midfielders, but a player capable of becoming a cornerstone of the club’s future for years to come.
Suwaid: The Amad Diallo of Midfielders
Andrey Santos caught my eye last season, and I’ll mention a few other players in the league who have done so in a similar way, but first, let me get to why he did. To begin with, I’m not a big advocate for the way Chelsea are building their side. I’ve always believed a team should have a mix of experience and youth, and even some of their better players were bought for a high fee before they were really ready to compete for the biggest honours, putting them under great pressure to live up to it from the off.
Their squad over the last few years has also been comprised of players who are unfamiliar to anyone who doesn’t follow a lot of young prospects around Europe. Players like Andrey Santos and Renato Veiga come to mind. Now, the truth is, when I caught them, I thought both actually looked quite good with great potential. This surprised me, since I’m very low on most things, Chelsea. However, I didn’t for a second think they were the sort of players who could lead Chelsea to where they want to be in the near future, not without help anyway.
Santos, like Brighton’s Yasin Ayari, is among a couple of under-the-radar players I’ve noticed in recent seasons because I like the way they play. They’re diminutive but tenacious and like to play the ball forward. It doesn’t take much to get my attention, but so many midfielders don’t seem to have these qualities, so I’m pleased United have got a player who can do this and get the team playing. He also reminds me a bit of Amad Diallo in that there’s a lot to like, but he’s perhaps never going to be the best of the best. That’s fine as long as the player is reliable on most matchdays, and I think he will be. I also think Michael Carrick will help him build his confidence, so I’m quite pleased with this move.