Manchester United have identified Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos as a potential reinforcement as the club grapples with a thinning midfield ahead of the new season. The 21-year-old Brazilian, who impressed during a loan spell at Strasbourg last season, is now under consideration at Old Trafford following a series of departures and injuries that have left manager Michael Carrick with limited choices.
Casemiro Exit and Ugarte Injury Reshape Plans
The Red Devils’ midfield crisis deepened when Casemiro’s contract expired on 30 June, removing an experienced anchor from the squad. Compounding that loss, Manuel Ugarte suffered a serious cruciate ligament injury during Uruguay’s World Cup match against Spain, an injury that will sideline him for several months. According to a report from Leadership, the injury has also ended any prospect of Ugarte leaving Old Trafford this summer, forcing United to reassess their transfer strategy.
Missed Targets and a Delayed Signing
United had already fallen short in their pursuit of two primary midfield targets. Local rivals Manchester City secured Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest in a club-record £116 million deal on 25 June, and Tottenham Hotspur completed an £85 million move for West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes on 2 July. Although United were prepared to match Tottenham’s offer for Fernandes, the club reportedly withdrew from negotiations to avoid an escalating bidding war.
The Premier League giants have also agreed a £35 million deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, but the Brazilian’s participation at the FIFA World Cup has delayed his medical examination. He will also be entitled to a minimum three-week post-tournament break before linking up with his new club, meaning he will not be available for the early stages of pre-season.
Pre-Season Pressures Mount
The squad is scheduled to return for pre-season training on 9 July, and Carrick faces a shortage of senior midfielders. Kobbie Mainoo remains on World Cup duty, and Mason Mount is primarily viewed as an attacking midfielder. That leaves the manager relying on younger players during the early friendlies. Academy graduates Toby Collyer, Dan Gore, Jack Fletcher, and Tyler Fletcher are among the available options, while prospects Jacob Devaney, Jack Moorhouse, Jayce Fitzgerald, Sekou Kone, and Jim Thwaites could also feature in United’s opening friendlies against Wrexham on 18 July and Rosenborg on 24 July.
The club will be eager to strengthen the squad before a more demanding pre-season schedule begins, including a high-profile friendly against Atletico Madrid on 1 August.
Santos as a Potential Solution
Santos has now emerged as a potential solution. The 21-year-old Brazilian enjoyed an impressive loan spell at Strasbourg last season and is believed to be available as Chelsea look to streamline their squad. Regarded as one of Brazil’s brightest young midfielders, Santos is seen as an affordable option capable of adding energy, composure, and quality to United’s midfield.
Whether Chelsea are prepared to sanction the sale of the youngster to a Premier League rival remains uncertain, but United are expected to step up their pursuit as they look to resolve their midfield shortage before the start of the new campaign.
Source: Manchester United Target Chelsea Midfielder Santos Amid Midfield Crisis