Harry Maguire backs Andrey Santos for a great Man United season
Harry Maguire believes Andrey Santos can be a "huge asset" for Manchester United this season despite early doubts about the £50m signing from Chelsea. The Athletic profiled Santos as an "exemplary player" with elite mentality, while Paul Merson questioned the fee. United's centre-back says the 22-year-old looks calm, experienced and ready to star at Old Trafford.
Key Takeaways
- Harry Maguire predicts Santos will have a "great season" and an "amazing career" at Manchester United after strong pre-season performances.
- The Athletic highlights Santos as an "exemplary player" praised by former coaches for leadership, scanning and tactical maturity.
- Paul Merson and Paul Ince questioned the £50m fee, arguing Santos lacks defensive bite and blocks Kobbie Mainoo's pathway.
- Santos is expected to start United's season opener at Hull City in a deeper No 6 role after Casemiro's departure.
- United are closing in on Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, who will compete with Santos for minutes at the base of midfield.
Why did Harry Maguire change the narrative on Santos?
Andrey Santos joined United in July in a deal worth up to £50million after one season at Chelsea, where he played fewer than 1,300 Premier League minutes. The surprise move drew scepticism, but pre-season changed the mood inside the squad.
Speaking to Stadium Astro ahead of United's opener against Hull City, Harry Maguire offered a glowing assessment. "He's 22 years old, but he plays with so much experience and he looks so comfortable and calm to play for this club," Maguire said. "He's got everything to have an amazing career at this club."
What makes Andrey Santos an 'exemplary player'?
According to The Athletic, former Brazil under-20 coach Ramon Menezes and Vasco da Gama youth coach Igor Henriques Guerra both describe Santos as an exemplary professional. Guerra called him "a role model" who guided team-mates on the pitch.
Michael Carrick echoed that view, calling Santos' character "a dream" for such a young player. Santos told reporters he prefers operating deeper as a number six. "With the ball, I love breaking the lines," he said.
Can Santos silence critics like Paul Merson?
Paul Merson told Sky Sports he does not understand the signing: "He doesn't break it up, doesn't create chances, doesn't score goals." Former United midfielder Paul Ince called spending £50m on Santos "baffling" when Kobbie Mainoo is coming through the ranks.
Santos appears undeterred, describing inheriting Casemiro's role as a major responsibility. United are also closing in on Brighton's Carlos Baleba, who will provide competition at the base of midfield. For more on United's summer rebuild, see our Celebrity Breaking News coverage.
Will Santos start against Hull City?
Santos has impressed across six pre-season friendlies in the holding midfield role and looks almost certain to start at Hull City on Saturday. Michael Carrick's first signing is being tipped for a solid debut campaign after United finished third and returned to the Champions League last season.
Maguire's verdict suggests the dressing room is behind Santos. "Even at this moment in time, I'm sure he's going to be a huge asset for us this season and have a great season," he said. Whether that faith translates into Premier League stardom remains the defining question of United's midfield rebuild.