Andrey Santos hails Michael Carrick after becoming first Manchester United signing of summer | OneFootball

Brazilian has swapped Chelsea for Man Utd in a deal worth £50m

Andrey Santos has spoken of his delight at joining Manchester United, a club where "my biggest idols" have played.

The Brazilian has swapped Chelsea and Manchester in a deal worth around £50million, and has signed a five-year deal with the option of a further 12 months.

United have scoured the market for Casemiro replacements. Both Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali were key targets, but instead joined Tottenham, prompting Michael Carrick to turn to Santos.

The young Brazilian is viewed as a market opportunity for United, with the 22-year-old keen to play regular first-team minutes and Chelsea being

And now Santos has become Man Utd's first summer signing.

"Everything about Manchester United is special," he told the club's official website. "It is an incredible feeling to join a club that some of my biggest idols have represented.

“As a midfielder, I am really excited to have the opportunity to learn from Michael Carrick, he is the perfect coach to help me take the next step in my career and push to achieve my dreams.

Jason Wilcox, director of football, said: “Andrey is an outstanding midfielder with excellent technical qualities and the ability to impact the game at both ends of the pitch.

“He was a key target for us in an important position, so we are delighted that he will join Michael’s squad so early in pre-season.

“Despite already having extensive experience, leadership abilities and proving his talent at the highest level, Andrey still has enormous potential to develop further, and we cannot wait to see him flourish at Manchester United.”