There\u2019s been no secret that Manchester United<\/a>\u2019s biggest efforts in the summer transfer window have been directed towards improving the central midfield department.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Even before the window opened, it was clear INEOS wanted reinforcements in such an area after Casemiro confirmed he would be departing Old Trafford at the end of the 2025\/26 season.<\/p>\n It handed the hierarchy the perfect chance to start work on deals for players such as Elliot Anderson, Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes – but the Red Devils were beaten to all three of the targets.<\/p>\n However, it could prove to be a blessing in disguise if one of the recent midfield additions continues to build on his impressive form throughout pre-season.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Many United fans will have been disappointed at missing out on key targets and the subsequent move to sign Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Red Devils paid a reported \u00a350m to prise the 22-year-old away from Premier League rivals Chelsea, but he\u2019s already starting to show why the hierarchy made a move for his services.<\/p>\n He\u2019s featured in all three of the club\u2019s pre-season games to date, but it was his recent outing against Atletico Madrid which has seen praise be directed his way by the supporters.<\/p>\n Santos featured for 82 minutes of the 2-1 victory on Saturday afternoon, subsequently completing 93% of the passes he attempted – providing Michael Carrick with a pace-setter at the heart of the side.<\/p>\n Andrey Santos – stats against Atletico Madrid<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n Statistics<\/p>\n<\/th>\n Tally<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n Minutes played<\/p>\n<\/td>\n 82<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Touches<\/p>\n<\/td>\n 90<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Pass accuracy<\/p>\n<\/td>\n 93%<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Passes into final third<\/p>\n<\/td>\n 7<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Tackles made<\/p>\n<\/td>\n 3<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Interceptions made<\/p>\n<\/td>\n 3<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Ground duels won<\/p>\n<\/td>\n 100%<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Ball recoveries<\/p>\n<\/td>\n 2<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n He also made an impressive tally of seven passes into the final third, which saw him break the lines of the opposition – something which United desperately lacked last term.<\/p>\n However, Santos even caught the eye without the ball, as he made three tackles, three interceptions and came out on top in 100% of the ground duels he entered.<\/p>\n Whilst it\u2019s only pre-season, the \u00a350m man has already made an impressive start to life at United and could well start the season opener in just under three weeks time.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Despite the Brazilian\u2019s impressive showings of late, he will face a fight to secure a starting role when Carrick\u2019s men travel to face newly-promoted Hull City in the season opener.<\/p>\n Kobbie Mainoo will have a point to prove after failing to feature at the recent World Cup, whilst new addition Youri Tielemans will also want to play a leading role in the club\u2019s Premier League<\/a> push.<\/p>\n However, the hierarchy are still in the market for a third new midfield signing, which has seen Real Madrid star Eduardo Camavinga<\/a> once again appear on their radar.<\/p>\n It\u2019s been reported by talkSPORT that the Red Devils have been offered a deal by the player\u2019s representatives after showing previous interest in his signature.<\/p>\n They also claim slight concerns have been raised around his wage demands, and whilst no fee has been mentioned, it\u2019s believed the move would be an expensive one.<\/p>\n\n Why Santos could be the answer to United’s midfield issues<\/strong>
\n <\/h2>\n![\"Chelsea](\"https:\/\/static0.footballfancastimages.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/chelsea-midfielder-andrey-santos.jpeg?q=49&fit=crop&w=825&dpr=2\"\/)
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\n <\/h2>\n![\"Kobbie-Mainoo-England\"](\"https:\/\/static0.footballfancastimages.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/kobbie-mainoo-england.jpg?q=49&fit=crop&w=825&dpr=2\"\/)
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