Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt have both raised concerns over Manchester United's £50m move for Chelsea's Andrey Santos. MEN Sport understands that the Brazilian, who narrowly missed out on representing his nation at the 2026 World Cup, is set to switch London for Manchester in a £50m package as Michael Carrick looks set to confirm his first official signing as United's permanent manager.
Deal Accelerates Quickly
The deal accelerated quickly earlier this week, with personal terms understood to have already been finalised with the player. United were among a number of suitors vying for Santos' signature this summer, and were in no mood to let the player slip from their grasp. After missing out on their top midfield target this summer to Tottenham, who signed Mateus Fernandes from West Ham for £85m, wrapping up a deal for Santos in a timely fashion became a priority.
Scholes and Butt Voice Concerns
The price tag, however, has raised concerns from those close to the club, most notably former stars Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt. The pair, who were both key members of United's famous 'Class of 92', won a combined 39 trophies during their time at Old Trafford. The former teammates, speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, agreed on whether United's £50m move for Santos was a worthwhile investment.
“Where’ve they seen him play enough games?” Scholes questioned. “United aren’t in the position to be buying players for the future at this point.”
Santos was the first player to arrive at Stamford Bridge under Todd Boehly's ownership in January 2023. The Brazilian, however, only made his debut for the club in June 2025 in the Club World Cup, following mixed loan spells with Nottingham Forest and RC Strasbourg. Last campaign, the 22-year-old's first full season in England, Santos made 43 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions, though he was primarily used as a rotational option by both Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior.
“He’s young and he’s for the future,” Butt said. “It’s a surprise because we’ve been looking at big hitters coming in but we’re looking at his potential.”
“The big thing for me,” Butt added, “is if he’s been brought in to come and start for us, United and Carrick don’t have time to let people bed in.”
“At this point he’ll have to start, they’ve got nobody else,” Scholes said.
Joe Cole Praises Santos
Indeed, former Chelsea star Joe Cole believes the Brazilian is likely to get more game time at Old Trafford than he did at Stamford Bridge following Casemiro's departure. “He’s a very, very good player with massive promise. The unfortunate thing for Andrey is that the two positions he can play for Chelsea are taken by Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez,” Cole told Paddy Power. “It’s been difficult for him to break in, but he’s been brilliant whenever he did play,” Cole said. “I had hoped he’d stayed at Chelsea but it’s a real good signing [for United].”
Quality Acknowledged Despite Price
Despite both raising concerns about Santos' price tag, Scholes and Butt agree on the Brazilian's quality. “Now he’s obviously a talented footballer, the recruitment isn't going to get it that wrong at £50m,” Butt said, “but whether or not he’s going to get us to that level of competing again, we’ll have to wait and see.” Butt continued: “He’s a powerful lad, he’s got legs and he’s decent with the ball but I don’t think he’s got an X factor where one thing is his standout strength. He’s good at everything, he’s an all round midfielder.”
