Man United ‘keen’ on move to sign Chelsea midfielder – Report | OneFootball

Man United eye January midfield lift as Santos interest grows

Manchester United’s evolving midfield project under Ruben Amorim is moving into a decisive phase, and the January window looks set to bring significant movement. After a 4-2 win against Brighton lifted them to sixth and within sight of the Premier League summit, ambition at Old Trafford has sharpened. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s backing gives this plan teeth, and as Football Insider reported, the club have made midfield reinforcements their priority.

The latest target is a name many Premier League analysts expected to emerge sooner or later: Chelsea’s Andrey Santos. Only 21, yet built with the calm precision of a modern controller, Santos has impressed across 11 appearances this season. However, with just four starts, Football Insider described his “problem” as the presence of Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, two world-class talents who naturally dominate minutes.

Chelsea’s stance appears resolute. As quoted in the original report, “I would be very surprised if Chelsea would even consider letting Andrey Santos go, especially to a Premier League rival in Man United.” The same source went further, calling him “a top young player” who is “very highly regarded within the corridors of power at Stamford Bridge.”

Photo: IMAGO

Chelsea stance and United frustration

Those inside Stamford Bridge recall Santos’s loan at Strasbourg with admiration, and Football Insider noted he “had a very good season on loan” and returned to impact domestic competitions, including scoring in the Carabao Cup win against Wolves. His contract until 2030 is another brick in an increasingly fortified wall around him, and West Ham have already been rebuffed once.

Another quote underlines the club’s position. “I don’t imagine Chelsea will be looking to let him leave anytime soon.” Chelsea have no interest in strengthening a direct rival, and under Enzo Maresca they are sticking to a long-term development pathway.

United, meanwhile, continue to survey alternatives such as Morten Hjulmand, Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson. This broadened shortlist is no coincidence. Football Insider recently revealed United will not trigger Casemiro’s extension, meaning the Brazilian’s Old Trafford chapter is winding down, and the need for a new long-term midfield anchor has increased.

Amorim’s midfield puzzle

Amorim has built an energetic, forward-thinking side, yet the pivot position remains slightly unsettled. The manager is not fully convinced by the current balance, and the club’s top brass appear fully aligned. That gives United clarity, even if Santos looks out of reach for now.

Credit to Football Insider for the original reporting.

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From a United supporter’s perspective, this development feels both promising and frustrating. Promising because the club are acting like a club with ambition again, with Ruben Amorim shaping a defined identity in his second season, and with Sir Jim Ratcliffe showing he will not waste momentum. Frustrating because Santos looks ideal for what United need: press resistance, composure, youth and the ability to develop into one of Europe’s finest controllers.

Chelsea locking the door makes sense. Santos is home-grown in terms of their project, even if not literally, and Enzo Maresca is unlikely to let another club reap the benefits of his tactical schooling. Yet one cannot help but admire United aiming high. For years, fans complained that the club missed young talents early and instead scrambled for older solutions. That era feels gone.

The alternatives mentioned offer intrigue, especially Wharton and Hjulmand, who fit the energy Amorim wants. Missing out on Santos would sting, but if this episode signals that United will only pursue players who elevate the long-term project, fans can live with the patience required.

This January could be pivotal. If Ratcliffe backs Amorim again, and the club continue to prioritise structure over panic buys, supporters will keep believing that sixth place today can become first tomorrow, sooner than many expect.