Andrey Santos is set to become Manchester United’s second midfield signing of the summer transfer window, and his arrival should excite Kobbie Mainoo.
In a change from Manchester United usually dragging out transfers, Andrey Santos has been snapped up fairly quickly to become the second signing of the summer.
United have agreed to Chelsea’s £48m demands, which tells us that Ineos’ recruitment department considered him a brilliant deal that they couldn’t miss out on.
Santos is probably the most undervalued midfielder on the market this summer, and that £48m could soon end up looking like a bargain for United. After the announcement came, Andy Mitten explained what it is United like about the Brazilian.
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What Andy Mitten says Manchester United like about Andrey Santos
United have signed a gem in Andrey Santos, with the Brazilian having world-class talent and with the correct coaching and game time, he will reach that potential.
The deal happened really quickly, suggesting Ineos were delighted by his availability and the club are big fans of Santos.
Mitten tweeted what he has heard that the club are liking about Santos.
“MUFC like Andrey Santos for his ‘amazing’ football brain. That he’ll become Brazil’s no.6. That he has some PL experience. Not perfect since he’s not fully established, but a serious emerging talent. And he’s a player with a value likely to increase.”
United thinking Santos is a really intelligent midfielder is combined with his ball-winning ability and progressive passing, which all combine to make him a pretty brilliant talent in the middle of the park.
This verdict by United is good news for Kobbie Mainoo.
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Kobbie Mainoo needs more intelligent midfield partners
Santos, having an amazing football brain, will be music to the ears of Mainoo, who hasn’t always had the luxury of playing with really high footballing IQ midfielders.
Manuel Ugarte is an example, who at times can be a bit of a headless chicken both on and off the ball, and usually costs United dearly when he plays. Although Ugarte won’t be playing for United next season due to his ACL tear.
Likewise, in the later years of his career at United, Casemiro hasn’t been playing a smart game. So many times, Casemiro forgot his discipline and positioning, rampaging forward toward the box to try and score, leaving the midfield wide open.
Mainoo has had to help cover for the weaknesses of both, but with Santos, this could all change.
Having a partner who is not only intelligent, but also a brilliant progressive passer, duel winner, and box threat gives United such a better midfield duo than Mainoo has ever had during his time as a first-team player for United.
Santos, with an Aurelien Tchouameni or Alex Scott next, gives United a midfield which is smart, talented, and above all balanced.
This is a potentially brilliant signing, really shrewd business from United.
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