Andrey Santos gives Manchester United midfield a new voice after £50m move

Andrey Santos has made such a strong early impression at Manchester United that he is already being discussed as a potential future captain, despite not yet having played a competitive match for the club.

The 22-year-old Brazilian midfielder joined from Chelsea for £50m and has quickly become the most eye-catching of United’s summer arrivals, according to the Manchester Evening News. His performances during pre-season, combined with his influence in the dressing room, have made him a source of considerable excitement within the coaching staff.

United’s transfer business has not generated widespread enthusiasm among supporters so far, but there is growing optimism inside the club that the new signings can add energy and quality before the start of the new campaign.

Carl Darlow has taken a fuller part in training during the team’s camp in Ireland this week as he continues his recovery from minor surgery. Yuri Tielemans, meanwhile, had already shown clear personality and leadership qualities before arriving at the club.

Santos was regarded as something of an unknown quantity when his move was completed, but he has quickly eased those doubts with the level of his pre-season displays. He has also stood out through his confidence and presence among his new team-mates.

The Brazilian is expected to start Manchester United’s opening Premier League fixture against Hull City, having been named in the starting line-up for every friendly the club has played so far.

Michael Carrick’s midfield is likely to include Santos alongside one of Yuri Tielemans, Mason Mount or Kobbie Mainoo. Operating in the holding role in Carrick’s 4-2-3-1 system, Santos appears set to take on a deeper responsibility, controlling the tempo and helping United dominate matches.

On the pitch, Santos has brought greater calm and assurance to the midfield. He regularly makes himself available for the ball, drops into deeper positions to receive possession and is comfortable playing passes over a range of distances.

He believes he can develop into a top-level number six and appears eager to take on the challenge of eventually succeeding Casemiro in that role.

His influence, however, has extended beyond his technical contribution. Coaches have been impressed by his maturity, leadership and willingness to communicate, both in training and during matches. Santos has been particularly vocal when directing team-mates in the defensive line.

Carrick has offered unusually strong praise for a young player at the beginning of his United career.

“For a young player, the way he has come in, his personality and his character are ideal. He is genuinely an exceptional and ideal player,” said Carrick.

“He has great positivity, a high level of maturity and a sharp mind, and he is eager to learn. He immediately looks to help his team-mates and is keen to talk and communicate with them during matches. He has a genuine and strong character, and we are delighted to have had him with us from the moment he joined.”

Manchester United have altered their recruitment approach over the past two transfer windows, placing almost as much emphasis on a player’s personality as on his footballing ability.

That policy appears to be producing early benefits, with the squad looking more cohesive and united than it did during the periods under Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim. Santos seems well suited to the current dressing-room environment at Old Trafford, having been consistently vocal and involved during pre-season.

Such authority is notable for a midfielder who is only 22 and has yet to play in the Premier League. It also reflects his apparent willingness to accept responsibility and lead players around him despite his limited experience of English football.

Santos moved to England from Brazil in 2023 to join Chelsea after coming through at Vasco da Gama, but he has adapted to his new surroundings quickly.

He has won six senior caps for Brazil, a total that could rise rapidly if he maintains the form he has shown in pre-season. His leadership qualities are also highly valued within the Brazilian Football Confederation.

Santos captained Brazil Under-23s in six of their eight matches. He also wore the armband for the Under-20 side during the 2023 South American Championship and Under-20 World Cup.

Across the 13 matches he captained Brazil in those competitions, Santos scored eight goals, demonstrating that he can influence games from advanced midfield positions as well as lead from the front.

Those figures underline his attacking qualities, but his long-term role at Manchester United appears likely to be deeper and more defensive. He has the attributes required to anchor Carrick’s midfield, dictate the rhythm of games and provide protection in front of the defence.

Bruno Fernandes remains United’s captain, but the armband will eventually become available in the coming years. If Santos continues to develop at his current rate, his rapid impact at Old Trafford could make him one of the leading candidates to take it on.