​Manchester United have not yet confirmed the signing of a new midfielder, despite the position being a top priority this summer. The club began the transfer window seeking a capable replacement for Casemiro, who excelled last season as United finished third in the Premier League. With Casemiro leaving the club as a free agent, INEOS remain eager to fill the midfield void before the new campaign begins.
Earlier reporting from The Peoples Person suggested United had already secured Ederson of Atalanta, though an official announcement has yet to be made. The Red Devils are anticipated to recruit a midfield player proven in the Premier League to step into Casemiro’s shoes. After missing out on Eliott Anderson and Mateus Fernandes, United’s pursuit has narrowed significantly. In the meantime, Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni appears unlikely to depart this summer, prompting INEOS to seek alternatives. It now seems they have moved to bring Chelsea’s Andrey Santos into their plans.
Santos progressed through Vasco da Gama’s ranks before joining Chelsea in January 2023. He was loaned back to Vasco da Gama until the summer and later spent temporary spells with Nottingham Forest and Strasbourg. The Brazilian impressed for Chelsea in a challenging season, contributing three goals and four assists in 43 appearances, 25 of which were starts. This performance earned him inclusion in Chelsea’s senior squad last season, with some seeing him as a potential long-term successor to Casemiro for Brazil’s national team.
United legend Paul Scholes has questioned the prospect of Santos joining Manchester United. Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, he expressed scepticism about the level of excitement such a signing would generate, saying: “I don’t think there’s going to be a lot of excitement about it, is there? Put it that way.” He pointed out that Chelsea are selling a 22-year-old, and he questioned who else could be targeted. Scholes also weighed in on potential alternatives, noting that while Sandro Tonali has moved to Tottenham and Bruno Guimarães is reportedly drawn to Arsenal, options remain limited.
Scholes proposed Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton as a potential option, suggesting he could represent good value at the right price, though he acknowledged United must act decisively. He hinted that Michael Carrick might not have substantial influence over recruitment decisions regarding Santos. The veteran gave the sense that discussions within the club about a new midfield recruit were ongoing, with a number of considerations still on the table as Manchester United explore the best path to bolster the squad ahead of the new season.