When Andrey Santos can make his debut for Manchester United after completing £48m move

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Manchester United have announced Andrey Santos as their first signing of the summer transfer window.

Just five days after initial reports of Manchester United striking an agreement for Andrey Santos, the Brazilian midfielder has been unveiled at Old Trafford.

Andrey Santos has joined from Chelsea in a £48 million deal and signed a five-year contract with an option to extend for a further year.

The 22-year-old has already joined up with Michael Carrick’s squad and is ready to participate in pre-season training. But when will United fans see him in action for the first time?

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

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When Andrey Santos will make his Man United debut

It is less than a week until United’s first 2026 pre-season fixture against Wrexham in Finland.

United kick off against Wrexham at 4pm BST on Saturday, July 18. That is when Santos will be expected to make his first appearance for the Red Devils.

• vs Wrexham, 4pm BST, Saturday July 18

There are five more pre-season fixtures this season that Santos can play a part in, before the 2026/27 Premier League season kicks off in August.

United’s Premier League fixtures have already been announced, and Carrick’s side start the campaign away to newly-promoted Hull City. That is the first opportunity for Santos to make his competitive debut.

• vs Hull City, 12:30 BST, Saturday August 22

Man Utd’s Premier League fixtures for 2026/27 have now been CONFIRMED – What do you think?

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Who will Andrey Santos partner in Man United’s midfield

United are also in advanced talks to sign Youri Tielemans, and it seems the 29-year-old will follow Santos to Old Trafford.

But Tielemans was part of Belgium’s World Cup run to the quarter-finals, so he will be given an extended break this summer before joining up with Carrick’s squad.

READ MORE: Andrey Santos now has a chance to achieve dream that was impossible at Chelsea in 2026/27

With Kobbie Mainoo also still with the England squad at the 2026 World Cup, it means that Santos will likely partner an academy star against Wrexham.

Alternatively, Mason Mount has accepted a midfield role ahead of next season, so he could partner Santos on his debut.