Harry Maguire backs Andrey Santos for a great Man Utd season
Harry Maguire believes Andrey Santos will be a "huge asset" for Manchester United this season, predicting a "great" debut campaign despite early doubts about the £50m Chelsea signing. The defender says the 22-year-old looks calm and Premier League-ready ahead of United's opener at Hull City.
Santos joined Old Trafford in July 2026 in a deal worth up to £50 million after limited top-flight minutes at Stamford Bridge. Pre-season form and Michael Carrick's backing have shifted the conversation — though pundits like Paul Merson remain unconvinced. For fans tracking United's rebuild, our Streaming & TV Alerts hub covers where to follow the season opener and key fixtures.
Key Takeaways
- Harry Maguire expects Andrey Santos to be a "huge asset" and have a "great season" at Manchester United.
- Santos, 22, signed from Chelsea for up to £50m and is likely to start at Hull City in United's Premier League opener.
- Former coaches describe Santos as an "exemplary player" with leadership and tactical maturity beyond his age.
- Paul Merson and Paul Ince have questioned the fee and Santos's midfield profile, citing limited Premier League impact at Chelsea.
- United are closing in on Brighton's Carlos Baleba, adding competition at the base of midfield alongside Santos.
Why does Harry Maguire think Santos will thrive at United?
Speaking to Stadium Astro ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, Maguire praised Santos's composure despite his youth. "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.
The centre-back noted Santos already has Premier League experience from Chelsea and should adapt quickly. "I think he'll have no doubts about whether he can adapt to this club and play at this club," Maguire added. "He's got everything to have an amazing career at this club, a long career at this club."
Maguire's optimism contrasts with the initial surprise around the transfer. Santos had been a squad player at Chelsea, playing fewer than 1,300 Premier League minutes before the move, according to The Athletic. Pre-season performances have since eased concerns inside the dressing room.
Can Andrey Santos become a Premier League star?
Coaches who worked with Santos in Brazil paint a picture of an "exemplary player." Igor Henriques Guerra, who coached him at Vasco da Gama, told The Athletic that Santos was "a role model" who guided teammates on the pitch. Brazil under-20 boss Ramon Menezes handed him the captain's armband at his first camp, citing technical dedication and natural leadership.
Michael Carrick has echoed that assessment. "Andrey, for such a young man to come in the way he's come in, his character, his personality is a dream," Carrick said last week. Santos has played as a deeper No 6 across six pre-season friendlies, competing with Youri Tielemans and Kobbie Mainoo for midfield roles.
Roundtable.io reports Santos wants to develop as a deeper option who sweeps up behind others, passes forward early, and positions well for interceptions. He described Casemiro as "a legend" and said he aims to fill the void left by the Brazilian's departure to Inter Miami.
Why are pundits questioning the £50m signing?
Not everyone shares Maguire's confidence. Paul Merson told Sky Sports he is "completely baffled" by the fee. "I just don't understand the Andrey Santos signing," Merson said. "A lot of Chelsea fans were asking what he does. He doesn't break it up, doesn't create chances, doesn't score goals."
Former United midfielder Paul Ince told Oddschecker the jury is "still out," adding it was "a lot of money" to spend when Kobbie Mainoo is coming through the ranks. United also missed out on targets like Elliot Anderson, who joined Manchester City for £116m, while a deal for Brighton's Carlos Baleba is reportedly nearing completion.
Santos himself remains focused on proving the critics wrong. "My qualities, I like and prefer playing more deep like a number six," he said. "With the ball, I love breaking the lines." Saturday's trip to Hull City may be his first chance to deliver on Maguire's prediction.