“Polite, humble, hard-working”: United star earns praise from City boss Enzo Maresca | OneFootball

5

Manchester United secured the services of Andrey Santos this summer from Chelsea as part of their midfield revamp. Having missed out on priority targets Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes, the Red Devils turned their attention to the relatively unproven Brazilian.

Santos initially joined Chelsea from Vasco da Gama in the summer of 2023, after an agreement was reached at the beginning of the year. The player spent his first six months in England out on loan to Nottingham Forest, before joining Strasbourg on a temporary deal for the second half of the season.

The Brazilian returned to Stamford Bridge last summer, and was heavily involved in the first team. Santos registered three goals and four assists in 43 appearances across competitions last season, 25 of which were starts.

His efforts ultimately convinced United, who prised him away this summer to fill the boots of his compatriot, Casemiro. The Red Devils have also signed Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba to strengthen their midfield this summer.

Santos’ stint with United so far

Santos made his debut for United in pre-season against Wrexham, managing to impress despite the 1-0 defeat. The Brazilian was heavily involved in the summer’s friendly ties and even displayed signs of a budding partnership with Mason Mount.

Santos started alongside fellow new signing Tielemans in midfield in United’s first game of the new season at the MKM Stadium. The Red Devils, unfortunately, lost the game 2-0.

Since then, all of the 22 year old’s appearances for the Premier League giants have been from the bench, with Carrick preferring to partner Tielemans with Kobbie Mainoo.

Andrey Santos Stats: 2025/26 Season

Michael Carrick has recently suggested that Santos remains firmly in his plans for the season. Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, who took charge at Manchester City this summer, has now offered his views about the Brazilian.

Maresca praises Santos

Speaking to the press, as cited by Metro, Maresca was full of praise for Carrick. He said: “I think he is doing a fantastic job since last season.”

“He took over in a complicated, difficult situation. They finish very well. This season, more or less, they’ve started in the same way. He is doing a very good job.”

When asked to assess Santos’ move from Chelsea to Old Trafford, Maresca added: “Andrey is a very good guy, first of all. Polite, humble, hard-working. So, all the best to him. I can only speak very good about Andrey.”

The Brazilian worked under the Italian manager at Stamford Bridge, making 24 appearances while registering one goal and five assists.

Final Thoughts

While Santos may not have been United’s first choice for the defensive midfield position this summer, he has displayed promising signs so far. With a long and hectic fixture schedule ahead, the Red Devils will benefit from the Brazilian’s presence in the squad.