“Amazing” – Cunha tips Man Utd teammate to be the biggest surprise of the season

In partnership with

Utd Report

·12 September 2026

“Amazing” – Cunha tips Man Utd teammate to be the biggest surprise of the season

Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha tips his teammate and compatriot Andrey Santos to turn heads this season.

The defensive midfielder was the club’s first summer signing, completing a transfer from Chelsea for £48 million.

OneFootball Videos

The Brazilian was later followed by another two midfielders in the shape Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba, as the Red Devils completely revamped the department.

Matheus Cunha expects Andrey Santos to shine at Old Trafford

(Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

Thanks to his relatively early arrival, Santos was a mainstay in Michael Carrick’s starting lineup in pre-season, forming a solid partnership with Mason Mount prior to the latter’s injury.

However, the 22-year-old endured a forgettable competitive debut, as Man Utd went on to suffer a shocking opening-day defeat in Hull.

While Carrick confirmed Tielemans as a starter despite an equally poor display, Santos was dropped in favour of Kobbie Mainoo.

And with Baleba’s return to action edging ever closer, the Brazilian risks being pushed further down the pecking order.

Nevertheless, Cunha isn’t worried about his fellow countryman, as he expects him to shine once he fully settles at Carrington.

“Andre Santos will be a breakout star this season. Fact, this guy is a very good player,” said the 27-year-old in his interview with the Sky Sports Premier League YouTube channel.

“This is, I feel, good for him. We don’t need to put so much pressure on him to develop, but I know him from the national team and then all the skills he has. He’s an amazing guy, so lovely, and yeah, I think that will be a fact. He will surprise many eyes this year.”

Cunha also revealed how delighted Santos was when the opportunity to sign for United arose, and that he’s helping his younger teammate adjust to life at the club.

“I was in the World Cup and then he was nearly there, and yeah, we kept talking. Then I sent him a message and, yeah, when he was so close, wow, he was so excited to come. And then I think, like, inside of him, this kind of link-up with the club started to fire him inside.

“He’s a very clever guy, but I think he needs to come for him to say, like, “Is he helping me or not?” But I try to be me, and then he has everything that he needs around.”

What to expect from Santos this season

(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

As things stand, Mainoo, Baleba, and Tielemans all appear to be ahead of Santos in the pecking order.

In the long run, Carrick will likely try to pair Baleba and Mainoo in a traditional playmaker/enforcer tandem, while Tielemans could be the first option off the bench.

That being said, MUFC are hoping to extend their schedule to 60 matches or so this season by going far on all fronts. If they were to succeed, there will be plenty of opportunities for Santos to prove his worth, not to mention injuries and other factors.

Therefore, the priority for the Brazilian should be working on improving his skill set and fully comprehending his role in Carrick’s tactical scheme while waiting for opportunities to come by.