Andrey Santos now singles out two Man Utd legends among ‘lot of big players’ who have impacted him most

Add as preferred source on Google

Ex-Chelsea star Andrey Santos has now revealed that two former Manchester United superstars had a meaningful impact on him in a major way.

Andrey Santos completed his move to Old Trafford on Monday after the Red Devils landed the 22-year-old Brazilian midfielder from Premier League side Chelsea.

The Brazil international is the first major signing at the Red Devils since Michael Carrick permanently succeeded Ruben Amorim at Manchester United.

Santos had been identified as a key target for Ineos as part of the Red Devils’ midfield rebuild this summer ahead of the 2026-27 Premier League season.

READ MORE: Wayne Rooney recalls one Man Utd experience where Sir Alex Ferguson defied expectations of every player

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?

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

Man Utd summer signing Andrey Santos on the influence of Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo

Manchester United agreed to pay an initial £48m, including a further £2m in potential add-ons, to sign Brazil international Andrey Santos from Chelsea.

Chelsea have also included a 10 per cent sell-on clause for Santos, who had initially arrived at Stamford Bridge in 2023 after he was signed from Vasco da Gama.

Speaking to Man Utd’s club media after his move was finalised, Santos revealed that he watched both Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo while he was growing up.

“I grew up watching many, many games,” he told MUFC, as per Manchester United’s official website.

“I remember Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, so a lot of big players.

“Now I have the opportunity to play for this club, this moment is so special for me, for my family and for my career as well.”

READ MORE: Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ‘transformation’ prediction to Man Utd fans is finally coming to forefront in big way

Andrey Santos to Man Utd is COMPLETE: How do you feel about the deal now Youri Tielemans is signing too?

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

Andrey Santos puts the focus on Neymar amid his admiration for Man Utd icon Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo

Outside of the impact of United legends Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo, Santos admitted that fellow Brazilian Neymar would be seen as his “idol.”

“It’s hard to say one, but I have to say Neymar,” he explained.

“I know it’s a little bit different [from] the position, but Neymar is my idol.

“Since I was young, I watched him and when I met him, I felt a little bit nervous, but I’m so happy to have met my idol.”

Neymar, who returned to Brazilian side Santos in 2025, featured in his final World Cup tournament this summer before he retired from international duty with Brazil.