Andrey Santos has declared Manchester United a 'step up' from Chelsea after completing his £48m move from Stamford Bridge to Old Trafford. The Brazil international was a top target for manager Michael Carrick as he sought to strengthen his midfield.
Santos settles quickly at Old Trafford
Santos, who made 43 appearances for Chelsea last season, has already felt at home during his first week with his new club. 'My first week is a little bit funny because you know when you change, so it's a new club,' he said from United's pre-season camp. 'But since my first day I feel at home, so I think this is so important for me and for new players as well.'
He added: 'Is it a step up from Chelsea? Yeah, of course. I know Chelsea is a big club as well, so I think thank you for everything Chelsea did for me in my period. But now Chelsea is gone, here is my home right now. And I want to be here for a long, long time and win so many trophies.'
Filling Casemiro's boots
Santos aims to replace the departed Casemiro, who left at the end of last season. 'I prefer playing deep like a number six. I try help my teammates without the ball and with the ball I love breaking the lines. For me Casemiro is a legend. Now he's gone and I'm here. I feel that I can do like Casemiro did last season.'
United have also signed Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa for £35m this summer. The club drew 1-1 with Champions League holders PSG in a pre-season friendly on Saturday, with further warm-up games against Leeds United and AC Milan before their Premier League opener against newly-promoted Hull City.
