Andrey Santos impresses in pre-season but faces scrutiny from Paul Merson

Manchester United’s £20 million acquisition of Andrey Santos this summer has drawn pointed criticism from former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson. The 22-year-old Brazilian, who joined from Chelsea, featured in all four of United’s pre-season friendlies — against Wrexham, Rosenborg, Atlético Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain.

Santos became the Red Devils’ first signing of the summer, intended to help offset Casemiro’s departure at the end of last season. He also brings prior Premier League experience with Chelsea and is viewed internally as versatile across multiple midfield roles. United supplemented that move by adding Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa and goalkeeper Karl Darlow as cover for Senne Lammens.

United tipped to finish sixth

In his Sky Sports column, Merson forecast Manchester United to finish sixth in the Premier League this season. “I just worry about Manchester United with Europe,” he wrote. “We saw it last season at times – their squad is wafer thin.”

He expressed concern over depth, particularly in midfield: “If Bruno Fernandes got injured, then you’d really worry. And yes, they have Youri Tielemans in there but I don’t see a dominant midfield. Manchester United will have their ups and downs – and I don’t expect them to be challengers. It’s too early for that.”

Merson directly challenged the rationale behind Santos’ recruitment: “I just don’t understand the Andrey Santos signing.”

“I might be wrong and Manchester United see something different. But a lot of Chelsea fans were asking what he does. He doesn’t break it up, doesn’t create chances, doesn’t score goals. That’s my problem.”

Praise for Tielemans

While critical of the Santos deal, Merson endorsed the Tielemans signing: “I like the Tielemans signing, he’s a good footballer.”

Yet he maintained that broader structural weaknesses persist: “But while you have Tielemans and Fernandes as good footballers, you need more than that to get the ball back. United still have that same defence that can be leaky at times, while the attack is hot and cold.”

Speculation continues over a potential addition of Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba, with recent reports indicating United are close to finalising the Cameroonian’s transfer.

Final Thoughts

Despite Merson’s reservations, United supporters appear unconcerned, buoyed by Santos’ consistent pre-season involvement and standout displays. Early indications suggest the Brazilian is poised to make an immediate impact at Old Trafford and counter doubts raised by external observers.