Michael Carrick praises new Man United star Andrey Santos: ‘He’s a fantastic player. He’ll do really well for us’

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18 July 2026

Manchester United faced Wrexham in a pre-season game in Finland, and fans of the Red Devils got a glimpse of new signing

Andrey Santos

, who slotted straight into the XI.

Man Utd 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 got an extended run of opportunities in a

Chelsea

shirt, prompting

Man United

to pounce for his signature.

Ahead of the game, Man Utd boss Michael Carrick spoke about the 22-year-old star and what the future holds for him.

Carrick said (via

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.

The English tactician continued, “He’ll do really well for us, so I’m looking forward to his progression while he’s here.

Man United may have been linked with a host of defensive midfielders over the past year, but

Santos

always looked like the smartest long-term investment.

At around £50 million, he has the potential to prove 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 landed 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.

Hopefully, today marks the start of an excellent tenure in red.

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