Harry Maguire Predicts 'Amazing' Man Utd Star Will Have A 'Great Season' Despite Initial Concerns Manchester United will kick off their 2026/27 Premier League campaign this weekend with a match against newly-promoted Hull City, marking the start of a new era for the club. The Red Devils aim to build on their third-place finish in the previous season, which secured their return to the Champions League. Manager Michael Carrick, who took over as interim head coach last year, has been confirmed in the role on a two-year contract, signaling stability amid ongoing rebuilding efforts. The squad has undergone significant strengthening this summer, with key additions including Youri Tielemans, Karl Darlow, and Andrey Santos. A potential deal for Carlos Baleba from Brighton is also nearing completion, further bolstering the team’s depth. Among these signings, Santos stands out as a high-profile acquisition, joining from Chelsea in a £50 million transfer. His arrival sparked initial skepticism due to his limited playing time at Stamford Bridge, but his pre-season performances have since eased concerns. Maguire, a veteran defender, has publicly endorsed Santos, expressing confidence in the Brazilian’s ability to thrive at Old Trafford. Speaking to Stadium Astro, Maguire highlighted Santos’s maturity and composure, noting that his experience in the Premier League at such a young age should ease any transition challenges. “He’s 22 years old, but he plays with so much experience and he looks so comfortable and calm to play for this club,” Maguire said. “I think he’ll have no doubts about whether he can adapt to this club and play at this club. He’s got everything to have an amazing career at this club, a long career at this club.” Santos’s role in the team is expected to be pivotal, particularly in midfield.#manchester_united #harry_maguire #andrey_santos #youri_tielemans #karl_darlow
Man United vs. Wrexham: Andrey Santos in Travelling Squad, Benjamin Sesko Absent Manchester United’s pre-season friendly against Wrexham in Helsinki has seen the inclusion of Andrey Santos in the travelling squad, marking a potential debut for the Brazilian midfielder. The 22-year-old, who joined the club on a permanent transfer from Chelsea on Monday, is set to make his first appearance in United colours. The deal, valued at up to £50 million, represents a significant investment in the squad’s midfield depth. Santos, who has been training at Carrington since his arrival, is part of a 25-man group for the match, blending experienced players with younger talent. The squad includes several senior players, though notable absences persist. Fellow new signing Youri Tielemans, along with other key figures, remains sidelined following their participation in the World Cup. Benjamin Sesko, the Slovenian striker, is not part of the travelling party, as he continues his recovery from a shin injury that kept him out of the last three games of the previous season. His absence may create opportunities for younger forwards such as Chidi Obi and Ethan Wheatley, though JJ Gabriel is notably excluded from the squad. The first-team regulars present in the squad include Harry Maguire, Bryan Mbeumo, Patrick Dorgu, Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw, Ayden Heaven, Mason Mount, and Joshua Zirkzee. Youngsters Harry Amass and Shea Lacey are also included, reflecting the club’s focus on integrating emerging talent. Right-back Jaydan Kamason is expected to seek a starting role, while midfielders Jacob Devaney, Dan Gore, and Jim Thwaites have joined the squad alongside Tyler and Jack Fletcher.#manchester_united #wrexham #benjamin_sesko #andrey_santos #youri_tielemans
Manchester United Eyes Andrey Santos as Midfield Reinforcement Manchester United is reportedly considering a move for 22-year-old Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos, who is nearing a £48 million transfer from Chelsea. The deal, which could be finalized before the September 1 transfer window deadline, would mark a significant step in the club’s efforts to reshape its midfield for the 2026-27 season. Santos, who has spent the past two seasons with Chelsea, is seen as a potential solution to address gaps in United’s midfield structure and provide long-term value amid a competitive transfer market. Santos has established himself as a reliable and intelligent midfielder during his time at Chelsea, where he has made 43 appearances across the 2025-26 campaign under three different head coaches. His role has primarily been as a defensive midfielder, offering stability and balance to a squad dominated by attacking threats like Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez. Known for his composure and tactical awareness, Santos has been a key player in Chelsea’s midfield, often acting as a link between defense and attack. His ability to read the game and distribute the ball efficiently has made him a valuable asset, particularly in situations where Chelsea needed to transition from defense to attack. One of Santos’ standout qualities is his calm, methodical approach to the game. He excels at making quick, accurate passes in tight spaces and is adept at creating opportunities for teammates through intelligent movement. His one-touch passing and ability to remain composed under pressure have been highlighted as key strengths, particularly in scenarios where Chelsea’s defense is under threat. Santos’ role has often involved setting up play for Caicedo, allowing the forward to exploit spaces in the opposition’s defense.#manchester_united #chelsea #michael_carrick #enzo_fernandez #andrey_santos
Manchester United Target Andrey Santos but Chelsea Value Midfielder at £50m Manchester United are pursuing the services of Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos, who is reportedly valued at around £50 million. While formal talks between the clubs have not yet begun, United are expected to make an offer in the coming weeks. Santos, a 22-year-old Brazilian, has been linked with the club after missing out on other targets such as Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes. The Red Devils are seeking to strengthen their midfield under manager Michael Carrick, with Bournemouth’s Alex Scott also under consideration. Santos, who joined Chelsea from Vasco da Gama in 2023 for £18 million, has struggled to secure regular first-team minutes due to competition from Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández. His path to regular play has been further complicated by Caicedo’s recent contract extension. Chelsea, meanwhile, are in need of funds to support the ambitions of new head coach Xabi Alonso, who has been tasked with rebuilding the squad. The club’s financial situation has prompted interest in experienced players such as Granit Xhaka, though Sunderland have so far rejected the offer. Newcastle United are also monitoring Santos’ situation, as they seek a replacement for Sandro Tonali, who will join Tottenham. The Magpies’ interest highlights the growing competition for the Brazilian’s services. United, who will return to the Champions League this season, have identified midfield as a priority area for investment. An agreement is already in place to sign Éderson from Atalanta for £35 million, though the transfer has been delayed by the player’s late World Cup call-up. The club faces a depth crisis in midfield following the departure of Casemiro and the knee ligament injury sustained by Manuel Ugarte during Uruguay’s defeat by Spain.#manchester_united #chelsea #newcastle_united #xabi_alonso #andrey_santos
Manchester United Secure £50m Transfer for Brazilian Midfielder Andrey Santos Manchester United have finalized a £50 million deal to sign Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos from Chelsea, marking a significant move in their summer transfer strategy. The agreement, which includes an initial payment of £48 million and potential add-ons totaling £2 million, was reached swiftly after United expressed interest in Santos over the weekend. Chelsea has also secured a 10% sell-on clause, ensuring a financial benefit from any future transfer. Santos, who has been cleared for a medical, is set to join United ahead of their pre-season preparations, with fellow Brazilian Ederson also scheduled to undergo a medical before completing his £35 million move from Atalanta. The acquisition of Santos comes as United address a pressing need in their midfield following the departure of Casemiro, whose contract expired after a decade at the club. The veteran midfielder’s exit left a void in the squad, prompting United to prioritize central midfield reinforcements. Manuel Ugarte, initially earmarked for sale, was ruled out for an extended period due to a cruciate knee ligament injury, further complicating their options. Despite efforts to secure Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, the deal collapsed when it became clear the cost would exceed £110 million. United’s pursuit of West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes also faltered after Tottenham offered a guaranteed £85 million for the Brazilian, leading to his move to north London. Santos’ arrival is expected to bolster United’s midfield depth, particularly as Kobbie Mainoo remains with England at the World Cup. The club’s pre-season campaign will begin on Thursday, with Michael Carrick’s squad facing Wrexham in Helsinki on 18 July.#manchester_united #chelsea #atalanta #andrey_santos #ederson
