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Paul Ince has questioned the Andrey Santos Manchester United transfer, admitting the reported £50million fee surprised him because Kobbie Mainoo already offers Michael Carrick a young midfield option.
United signed Santos from Chelsea earlier this month as part of a wider midfield rebuild following Casemiro’s departure. Youri Tielemans has also arrived from Aston Villa.
Ince accepts that United needed reinforcements but remains unconvinced by the amount committed to Santos. The former United midfielder believes the Brazilian must prove he can immediately justify a prominent role.
🚨🇧🇷 | NEW:#MUFC coaches and fitness staff have been REALLY IMPRESSED with Andrey Santos in training so far.
He's shown great INTENSITY, and has also made a very positive impression with his character.
He’s quiet, funny and well-liked by everyone.
[@SullyTalkz] pic.twitter.com/QAVZcUMXx6
— (fan) Frank 🧠🇾🇪 (@FrankEra_) July 28, 2026
Paul Ince questions Andrey Santos Manchester United transfer
“The jury’s still out on that one,” Ince told Oddschecker in comments carried by Metro.
“To spend £50million on a young central midfield player when you’ve got Mainoo coming through the ranks kind of baffled me a bit.”
Santos made only 13 Premier League starts for Chelsea last season, although his broader numbers offer encouragement. Manchester United’s official profile states that he made 43 appearances in all competitions.
The 22-year-old also recorded the highest pass-completion rate and most progressive passes per 90 minutes among Premier League midfielders aged under 22. Those qualities suit Carrick’s attempt to build a team capable of controlling possession more consistently.
Santos can operate as a deeper midfielder or make forward runs from a box-to-box role. His arrival therefore does not necessarily block Mainoo, whose strongest qualities become more apparent when he receives freedom to carry possession and move into attacking areas.
ReadManUtd reported that Carrick still wants another midfielder despite signing Santos and Tielemans. United are building greater competition rather than relying on one fixed partnership.
Ince’s concern over the fee is understandable given Santos’ limited Premier League starting experience. United have invested in his potential, technical security and development during a productive loan spell with Strasbourg.
The transfer will ultimately be judged by Santos’ influence under Carrick. Regular football should provide a clearer answer than his restricted opportunities at Chelsea.
James Chettle is a journalism graduate from the University of Liverpool with a strong passion for football and digital sports media. A lifelong Chelsea supporter, James manages dedicated social media pages for fellow Blues fans, giving him a close understanding of supporter culture and the conversations that matter most to audiences. Alongside his Chelsea-focused work, he writes across the Dave.Sport network, covering West Ham United, Arsenal, Brighton & Hove Albion, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Manchester United. His journalism spans breaking news, transfers, match analysis and the wider stories shaping clubs across the Premier League.
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