Former Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt has publicly questioned the club's decision to sign Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £50 million, warning that the move represents a significant gamble in the club's midfield rebuild. United turned to Santos after missing out on primary targets Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes, while Aurelien Tchouameni is expected to sign a new contract with Real Madrid.
Butt's Concerns Over Santos' Limited Impact
Santos, 22, impressed on loan at Strasbourg before returning to Chelsea for his first full season last term. However, with competition from Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, and Romeo Lavia, he made only 25 starting appearances across all competitions, with just 13 in the Premier League. Butt, a six-time Premier League winner with United, told Paddy Power: 'I've seen him play a few times but nothing stands out that makes you go, wow, he's got great ability on the ball or he's a powerhouse. It's come totally out of the blue.'
Butt added: 'By virtue of him only starting 13 games for Chelsea last year, who finished 10th, it doesn't scream out a good signing to me. We need players in midfield that make us a lot better. I really don't like having a go at young players or new signings before they go and prove themselves, but it's one where they're buying potential over someone that's done it.'
Comparison to Manuel Ugarte
Butt drew a parallel to Manuel Ugarte, who failed to perform at the top level for United. 'He could come and blow us away and everyone's saying, what a signing, he could be the best signing of the last five-ten years at Man United. But then again he could just end up being another Manuel Ugarte that doesn't perform at the top level,' Butt said.
Santos will be the second Brazilian recruit this summer, following Ederson who is undergoing the second part of his medical ahead of a £35m move from Atalanta. United have been seeking up to three midfielders after Casemiro's departure and Ugarte's knee injury, but Butt believes financial constraints will shift priorities elsewhere.
Butt Recommends Sander Berge
United have shown interest in Bournemouth's Alex Scott and Fulham's Sander Berge. Butt endorsed Berge, who has impressed for Norway at the World Cup. 'Sander Berge has been brilliant for Norway. There's always someone at a World Cup that stands out. He's one of the ones that has really stood out and makes you go, wow, what a player he is,' Butt said. 'In the last few games, with his athleticism and his size he's a powerhouse, a really good player.'
However, Butt doubts United will sign another midfielder. 'I can't see how they can go and buy another midfielder with the finances – they've got to get a right back, they've got to get a centre back or two, they've got to get a centre forward. If they don't do that then the squad is nowhere near ready to challenge for the top four again.'
