Why there’s reason to be excited about Andrey Santos and United’s midfield transformation

United fans have a reason to be optimistic. What about FPL managers?

As we’re progressing through the summer transfer window, it looks like clubs are making mostly sensible moves so far – it almost seems too good to be true.

Manchester United’s recruitment has taken a step in the right direction by signing Casemiro’s direct replacement, Andrey Santos, who deserves far more positive attention than he’s getting.

Today, I’ll also cover Youri Tielemans and how Aston Villa will cope with the loss of two key midfielders. Spoiler alert: there’s a section on Johan Manzambi.

Let’s do this:

Andrey Santos: What gets me so excited about the deal?

Is this article just an excuse to write about Andrey Santos?

Quite possibly…

In my Xabi Alonso and Chelsea preview, I noted that it’s the top 3 transfer of the summer, and I stand firmly by that. It might even turn out to be the best.

As you may know, Manchester United will return to Premier League action without Casemiro. Last season wasn’t his best, but he was still a positive influence, even at 33 – he regularly prevented dangerous attacks, dominated aerial duels, provided solid progression in the build-up phase, and scored 9 goals, the vast majority from set-pieces.

👑 Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro were probably the most under-utilised stack in last season’s FPL:

Bruno was the second-highest-scoring player, while Casemiro scored 9 goals (Bruno assisted on 6 of them…), made 2 assists, and contributed quite a few DEFCON two-pointers.

They racked up 235 and 165 points, respectively.

Yes, 400 in total.

However, it was clear there were issues with his intensity and duelling on the ground, as well as with his ability to run and carry the ball forward.

The legs weren’t there, and another year in the physically demanding league would cause him to regress even further in those areas. Sadly, the trend forces you to have superb athletes in the middle of the pitch.

Spurs buying Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali is a good example of this, but there are several others throughout the league.

Fernandes and Tonali solve Spurs’ biggest problem. But there’s more to fix...

Securing a replacement was the top priority this transfer window. Kobbie Mainoo isn’t a high-volume ball-winning #6, and while Manuel Ugarte (who’s now out with a knee ligament injury) can play there and win those crucial balls, he doesn’t add much in terms of heading, carrying, or passing. The Ugarte and Mainoo double pivot would be a) too exploitable and imbalanced and b) wouldn’t add much in terms of passing.

Enter Andrey Santos.

Another Brazilian who shares many traits with his more famous compatriot.

Let me say this: Those 1,400 minutes at Chelsea don’t tell the full story of his ability, his impact, or why United decided to buy him.

3,000 minutes in Strasbourg do.

As I explained, United needed a new #6 who could cope with the physicality of the Premier League, add defensive stability, and have something extra – and they found it in Santos.