Manchester United got a glimpse of new signing Andrey Santos in a pre-season game against Wrexham in Finland today.
They shelled out big money on Santos, and he is expected to fill the Casemiro-sized hole in the engine room alongside fellow summer signing Youri Tielemans.
The Brazilian has long been touted for great things but never had an extended run of opportunities in a Chelsea shirt.
Man Utd manager Michael Carrick spoke about the 22-year-old and what the future holds for him ahead of the game.
Carrick said (via journalist Chris Wheeler): “He’s settled in really well. He’s a fantastic character. He’s buzzing to be here, and he’s a fantastic player.
“He’ll do really well for us, so I’m looking forward to his progression while he’s here.”
Santos should be a shrewd signing for United
Man United have been linked with a host of defensive midfielders over the past year, but Santos always looked like a smart long-term investment.
At around £50 million, he has the potential to prove to be an absolute bargain if he reproduces the form that made him one of Ligue 1’s standout midfielders during his loan spell at Strasbourg.
Rather than spending more on an established name with limited resale value, United have signed a player who combines elite ball-winning ability, composure in possession and athleticism.
There is still plenty of room for him to develop, but the raw ingredients are already there. Santos is the type of midfielder who can anchor a side for the next decade.
He is a hugely talented footballer who needed the right environment and consistent minutes to explode, and Old Trafford could be the perfect stage for that breakthrough.
