​Rio Ferdinand has urged caution regarding Manchester United’s move for Andrey Santos, arguing that the Chelsea midfielder is far from the finished article. After failing to secure Elliot Anderson, Mateus Fernandes, and Aurelien Tchouameni, the Red Devils have had to pivot to alternative targets to fix their stalling engine room. While Bournemouth maestro Alex Scott is understood to be the primary target, the Cherries remain firm that the 22-year-old is not for sale. It would likely require a fee around £80 million to coax a change in stance, with Bournemouth intent on tying him down to a new contract.
Crystal Palace playmaker Adam Wharton, who just helped the Eagles win the Europa Conference League, is another option in roughly the same price range. Michael Carrick is thought to be a big advocate of the former Blackburn star, who has drawn comparisons to United’s head coach. Carlos Baleba also remains a name with admirers at Old Trafford, though Brighton & Hove Albion have stood firm on their £100 million valuation, despite the Cameroon international’s slump in form last season. This has prompted United to rekindle their pursuit of Santos, after previously courting him last year while negotiating Alejandro Garnacho’s switch to Stamford Bridge.
Where Chelsea once ruled out an exit a year ago, the Blues have opened the door this summer, as Santos is keen to leave in search of more first-team opportunities. INEOS have maintained contact with his camp throughout this period, which helps explain why a £50 million deal was agreed so quickly this week. The Rio de Janeiro native is due to travel to Manchester today to complete a medical, and internal sources at Old Trafford have described the price as a bargain given the current market, expressing surprise that Chelsea accepted the proposal.
Still, Ferdinand does not share the same level of optimism. The former centre-back, who served as the heartbeat of one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s most successful United sides, doubts that Santos can immediately step into Casemiro’s shoes as the team’s anchor. “Is he the guy who is going to replace Casemiro? I don’t think he is the guy who immediately jumps into those shoes and performs at that level right now,” he says on Rio Ferdinand Presents. Yet he also acknowledges Santos’s potential to forge a productive partnership with Kobbie Mainoo, stating, “Could he grow, does he have the potential? Yes. Could he be the long-term partner for Kobbie Mainoo? Yes, he could. But I’m looking to see who else they bring in in that area because I think he is one of maybe three to come into that area to share the load.” He notes that Santos has already played in the Premier League and earned six Brazil caps, and while some fans remain skeptical, Ferdinand sees a path for Santos to develop into a valuable piece for United.
In sum, while United are moving to strengthen their midfield with Santos at the fore, Ferdinand urges prudence about expecting an immediate fix. The club is reportedly exploring several other options alongside Santos, with the aim of constructing a capable and balanced unit capable of sharing responsibilities with Mainoo and eventually taking on the mantle in the longer term.