Andrey Santos and Mason Mount split image
Credit: Nderim Kaceli/BSR Agency/Mike Hewitt via Getty Images
If Andrey Santos can learn anything from Mason Mount’s first game back at Stamford Bridge in a Manchester United shirt, it’s how quickly their fans changed their tune. The main difference is that the English midfielder had spent most of his life with the club.
Andrey Santos is set to take on former club Chelsea for the first time in the early kick-off on Saturday. It remains to be seen whether Kobbie Mainoo will return or if the new Brazilian signing will keep his place in the team.
Manchester United are looking for their first win in nine matches, with pressure mounting on head coach Michael Carrick. The 45-year-old has been given more time to turn results around at Old Trafford, after winning just two of United’s first 12 matches across all competitions.
Next up for United is Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. This presents an opportunity for Santos to face his ex-club for the first time since signing for United in the summer.
Mason Mount’s nightmare return to Stamford Bridge
In the lead-up to the game on Saturday, Santos will be keen to learn how he will be received by Chelsea fans on his return to Stamford Bridge. Mason Mount will be able to tell him about his nightmare return in April 2024, when the home supporters were keen to let him have it.
Mount had come through the Chelsea academy and won the Champions League with the club, as well as scoring in their triumphant 2021 final against Man City, but they turned completely on him following his transfer to United. One Chelsea fan held up a ‘Judas 19’ shirt and others sang chants to grill their former player.
Of course, Mount snubbed several long-term contract extensions before deciding to join United. This didn’t go down well with the Chelsea faithful. They’ll likely let him know again if he features in the game on Saturday.
Mount came on for Alejandro Garnacho in the 86th minute and was met with a huge chorus of boos. The game would then turn into a nightmare as Palmer scored two stoppage-time goals to secure the win for Chelsea.
Stats from Mason Mount’s first game at Stamford Bridge for Man Utd
4 minutes played
12 passes
2 tackles
For Mount, it must have been emotional to return after spending 18 years at Chelsea, though being abused by their fans probably left a sour taste in his mouth. It may be a different story for Santos, who spent just three years at Chelsea.
Santos should be looking to make a point with his performance against Chelsea if he plays ahead of Mainoo alongside Carlos Baleba. The Blues had far more experienced midfielders to select from, and he was unable to cement his place in the team.