Manchester United’s €64 million gamble on Andrey Santos

Andrey Santos arrived at Manchester United after Chelsea negotiated his transfer in this window, with United paying a fee close to €64 million – the same amount it spent on Mason Mount – and was tasked with replacing Casemiro in midfield. The Brazilian midfielder has already stood out in the early pre‑season, starting every friendly and showing the ability to lift a teammate’s performance.

Since his debut under Michael Carrick, Santos has been in the starting eleven against Wrexham, Rosenborg and Atlético Madrid, consistently partnering the same teammate in midfield. That teammate is Mason Mount, who also joined United from Chelsea and has struggled to cement a regular starting role in recent seasons.

Mount’s impact has improved in pre‑season, highlighted by his involvement in United’s 2‑1 comeback win over Atlético Madrid, where he completed more than 50 passes and contributed to attacking moves. His resurgence opens a range of options for Carrick as he reshapes the midfield hierarchy.

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Carrick also handed the captain’s armband to Mount after Harry Maguire’s departure, and if Carrick does not alter his plans, Kobbie Mainoo could become the starter alongside Santos. The previous season’s midfield duo of Casemiro and Mainoo was disrupted by Mainoo’s move to Inter Miami and a prolonged break before his return.

United’s investment mirrors the €64 million fee paid for Mount in 2023, a sum comparable to the amount spent on Santos this year at Stamford Bridge. This financial parity underscores United’s belief that Santos can provide the missing piece in a midfield that has underperformed.

Tactically, Mount operates as an attacking midfielder, akin to a number 10, while Santos fulfills a more defensive, first‑volante role. Their complementary styles grant Mount greater freedom to advance, as Santos shields the back line and breaks up opposition play.

The pre‑World Cup (pré‑Copa do Mundo) lists of Carlo Ancelotti featured Santos, and his presence at Old Trafford (Trafford) reflects United’s strategic push. Em 2025/26, Mount featured in only 12 Premier League games, and Se Carrick decides whether the Santos‑Mount partnership will become a cornerstone of the Red Devils’ midfield.