After securing third place in the Premier League last term and securing a return to Champions League football – the vibes were high at Manchester United ahead of the summer transfer window.
INEOS entered the market with one clear goal – bolster the midfield department, leading to numerous top-level operators from England’s top-flight emerging on their radar.
The likes of Elliot Anderson, Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes were all credited as key targets, but the Red Devils have been forced to watch other sides secure deals for the talents.
However, the hierarchy have secured the signature of one midfielder for Michael Carrick – but he could be set for a season of struggle at Old Trafford in 2026/27.
Why Santos may struggle at United in 2026/27
As part of their recruitment drive this summer, United completed the £50m signing of central midfielder Andrey Santos from fellow Premier League side, Chelsea.
The move came as a surprise to many across the division, and it’s safe to say many Red Devils supporters are somewhat disappointed with the deal for the 22-year-old.
He only managed to start 13 games in England’s top-flight for the Blues last term, with his stats from the 2025/26 campaign highlighting why he may struggle with the demands at Old Trafford.
The Brazilian only managed to create 0.3 chances per 90 last term, whilst completing 0.2 successful dribbles per 90 – both ranking him in the bottom 20% of players in the division.
|
Andrey Santos – PL stats (2025/26) |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistics (per 90) |
Tally |
|
Games played |
27 |
|
Games started |
13 |
|
Pass accuracy |
90% |
|
Chances created |
0.5 |
|
Successful dribbles |
0.2 |
|
Ball recoveries |
3.4 |
|
Aerials won |
45% |
|
Shots taken |
0.7 |
Such numbers highlight his lack of quality with the ball at his feet, whilst his defensive numbers also highlight his struggles out of possession in the Premier League.
Santos also managed to register a measly tally of 3.4 ball recoveries per 90, which, like his numbers in possession, placed him below 90% of other midfielders in the division.
Whilst he is a player who undoubtedly has the potential to be a solid long-term addition, the former Chelsea star does not appear to be the ready-made option for Carrick’s side this season.
How United could land an instant Santos upgrade
Despite landing deals for Santos and Youri Tielemans already this summer, United have made the addition of a third central midfielder a priority in recent weeks.
Efforts have been made to try and prise Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga from Real Madrid, but both of the aforementioned talents are set to remain at the Bernabeu.
As a result, the Red Devils have once again turned their attention to Roma star Manu Kone and appear to have seen a breakthrough in negotiations over recent days.
It’s been reported by Corriere dello Sport that Carrick’s men have now agreed personal terms with the player and his representatives over a deal this summer.
However, it also confirms that an agreement between the two clubs is yet to be reached, with the Serie A outfit demanding at least £42m to offload the French international.
The 25-year-old has certainly gained a lot of attention over recent weeks after starring for his nation at the recent World Cup – even keeping Tchouameni out of the starting eleven.
His call-up came as a result of his impressive form at club level in 2025/26, with Kone managing to outperform new addition Santos in a plethora of key areas.
The Roma star managed to complete 90% of the passes, whilst completing 62% of the dribbles he attempted – with the latter ranking him in the top 15% of all midfielders in Europe’s top-five leagues.
Such numbers are way above those produced by Santos in the Premier League – highlighting Kone’s impressive ability to dictate the play from deep-lying positions.
The Frenchman also managed to create more chances from deep positions, whilst making more passes into attacking areas – something which Carrick craves from his midfielders.
However, without the ball, Kone was just as dominant, subsequently making more tackles and ball recoveries per 90 – backing up one analyst’s comment that he’s a “monster” in midfield.
£42m for a player of the 25-year-old’s calibre would be an excellent piece of business and one which could be a bargain if he reaches the next stage in his development.
He will no doubt be ahead of Santos in Carrick’s pecking order upon any move and could finally end the hierarchy’s hunt for added reinforcements in such a department.
As for the Brazilian, he may have limited opportunities to impress throughout 2026/27 if Kone arrives in Manchester, but he will be hoping to prove to the supporters that he can be a success.
