Former Chelsea star Andrey Santos is ready to prove himself in one meaningful way under Michael Carrick in the 2026-27 campaign with Manchester United.
Andrey Santos has been spotted in the Manchester United first-team training this week after the 22-year-old Brazilian midfielder completed his stunning move to the club.
United players have started to link up amid the World Cup in preparation for the Premier League club’s pre-season tour under Red Devils boss Michael Carrick.
The Red Devils will kick off their pre-season campaign on Saturday against Championship side Wrexham at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium in Finland.
IF Andrey Santos is available to play Wrexham, who would you like to see him start alongside out of the available options?
Andrey Santos is training already!
Andrey Santos outlines his Champions League ambitions for Man Utd in the 2026-27 campaign under Michael Carrick
Manchester United will return to Champions League football for the 2026-27 season after Michael Carrick’s impact as interim manager in the 2025-26 campaign.
Carrick took over from Ruben Amorim in the second half of last season and navigated the Red Devils to a third-place finish in the Premier League table.
The 44-year-old United manager’s first full campaign as the permanent head coach will have an increase in fixtures, including playing in the Champions League.
Speaking after his move was finalised on Monday, Andrey Santos could not hold back his excitement about Man Utd competing in the Champions League.
“Wow, Champions League, it’s a dream, you know? Since I was young, I grew up watching Champions League, watching many, many games,” he told MUTV, as per Manchester United’s official website.
“Now I have the pleasure to play for Manchester United in the Champions League – I’m so happy with this.”
WHO will be Man Utd’s THIRD midfielder signing to go with Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans? Who do you want?
Which midfielder do you think would fit United's rebuild best? What do we need next?
Andrey Santos has limited experience in the Champions League, but it’s better than nothing for Michael Carrick
United will be back in the Champions League for the first time since the Erik ten Hag era ended at the Premier League club.
Santos, who was signed from Chelsea in a £50m deal, had his first taste of Champions League experience during the 2025-26 campaign with the Blues.
The Brazil international made six appearances for the Blues in the Champions League and picked up two assists for his former club last season.
Santos will be in a United squad that has had some players who have experienced Champions League football, including Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot.
However, Carrick has several first-team Man Utd players who will have their first time playing in the Champions League next season, including Matheus Cunha.
The experience that Santos has had in UEFA’s top-tier club competition will be invaluable for the Red Devils in their bid not to make an early exit from it.
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