Manchester United believe Andrey Santos could be the 'pound-for-pound signing' of the season. The Reds confirmed the arrival of Santos, 22, in a £48million plus £2m in add-ons deal from Chelsea last week.
Santos became United's first summer signing and has since been joined by Karl Darlow, who has joined on a free transfer from Leeds United, and Youri Tielemans following his £35m move from Aston Villa.
Santos seen as value for money
Although Santos has been at United for just 10 days, the club feel he has the potential to be the best value for money signing in the Premier League this season, according to the Daily Mail. He is viewed as someone who can be used as a No.6, a more defensive screening midfielder, in front of the defence.
Before Casemiro returned to form, it seemed as though United lacked serious midfield protection and the Reds feel Santos can fill that hole alongside a more advanced No.8 next season. Tielemans and Mainoo are expected to battle it out for that position with Bruno Fernandes ahead of them in the No.10.
Impressing teammates in training
Although Santos has been at Old Trafford for just a short amount of time, he is already said to be impressing his new teammates with his intensity in training. The ex-Strasbourg and Nottingham Forest loanee is thought to be working hard to cement a place in Carrick's first-choice starting XI next season.
Santos started United's opening pre-season against Wrexham on Saturday and lasted 45 minutes before Carrick fielded a whole new XI for the second half. He partnered ex-Chelsea teammate Mason Mount in the double pivot with Jack Fletcher, the son of United icon Darren Fletcher, ahead of them.
Long-term target
United wanted to sign Santos last summer as part of the deal to sell Garnacho to Chelsea, but the Blues shut that down as they wanted to keep the Brazilian midfielder. But now, the Reds have their man and it's safe to say the player was excited about the prospect of moving to Old Trafford this summer.
Speaking after completing the move to United, Santos said on July 14: "Everything about Manchester United is special; it is an incredible feeling to join a club that some of my biggest idols have represented."
"As a midfielder, I am really excited to have the opportunity to learn from Michael Carrick, he is the perfect coach to help me take the next step in my career and push to achieve my dreams."
"Everybody told me about how ambitious the club is and the amazing environment that has been created here. I know just how strong the squad is and I cannot wait to fight together to compete for the biggest trophies."
Santos' competitive United debut is set to be during their Premier League opener at Hull City on August 22. He will then prepare for his first top-flight home game at the Reds when they entertain Ipswich Town.
