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Bolstering Manchester United’s midfield is anticipated to be prime of INEOS’ agenda in 2026.
Ideally, United ought to have pulled off a marquee midfield signing final summer time, however they didn’t.
A transfer for prime goal Carlos Baleba did not materialise after Brighton & Hove Albion made it clear the midfielder was not going wherever.
Having missed out on their precedence goal, United opted towards panic shopping for, shelving plans to herald a midfielder.
Whereas United’s midfield has seemed first rate at instances, it has often been uncovered, highlighting the necessity for a extra dynamic presence in the course of the park.
A number of prime midfielders have since been linked with a 2026 Outdated Trafford change.
Andrey Santos
A type of midfielders is Chelsea’s Andrey Santos.
Santos was additionally linked with a transfer to United final summer time following his spectacular mortgage spell at Strasbourg. There was speak of him being requested as a part of the Alejandro Garnacho deal to Chelsea.
Nevertheless, nothing got here of these rumours, with the Samba star remaining at Chelsea.
At Stamford Bridge, the midfielder has struggled for minutes, with Moisés Caicedo having fun with his greatest run but in a blue shirt and his partnership with Enzo Fernández persevering with to flourish.
Consequently, Santos has been pressured right into a backup function behind the duo, who’re quick changing into undroppable in Enzo Maresca’s engine room.
Recreation time points
His restricted recreation time, simply two begins in eight Premier League matches, has inevitably sparked curiosity from elsewhere.
And now, Pete O’Rourke has dropped an intriguing replace on Soccer Insider relating to the South American’s future.
He stories: “The midfielder’s ‘downside’ at Chelsea is the presence of Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández, and United could be ready to supply him elevated taking part in time.”
Whereas such a suggestion would certainly flip the participant’s head, particularly as he goals of constructing the Brazil World Cup squad, a transfer to United won’t be easy.
Chelsea’s stance on a Santos exit
“Chelsea don’t have any plans to lose the midfielder to a Premier League rival, and he stays very extremely regarded amongst these in positions of energy at Stamford Bridge,” O’Rourke provides, underlining simply how sophisticated this potential deal may turn into.
Regardless of his restricted recreation time, primarily restricted to cameo appearances, it’s comprehensible that the Blues are eager to retain him. When given the prospect, Santos has impressed.
Carabao brilliance
On Wednesday, he delivered a standout efficiency, scoring and aiding as 10-man Chelsea battled previous Wolves to guide their place within the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
Andrey Santos vs Wolves (Carabao spherical of 16)
ActionStatistics
Participant Rating8.6
Minutes Played90
Goals1
Assists1
Whole Shots2
Anticipated Targets (xG)0.21
xG on Goal (xGOT)0.36
Pictures on Target1
Pictures off Target1
Pictures Contained in the Box1
Pictures Exterior the Box1
Touches in Opposition Box1
Profitable Dribbles1/2 (50%)
Touches85
Fouls Suffered4
Correct Passes49/64 (77%)
Large Possibilities Created1
Anticipated Assists (xA)0.02
Correct Passes in Ultimate Third6/11 (55%)
Correct Lengthy Passes0/2 (0%)
Duels14
Aerial Duels Won3/6 (50%)
Floor Duels Won7/8 (88%)
Tackles Won1/2 (50%)
There is no such thing as a doubt United, below INEOS, have an eye fixed for rising expertise, and Santos actually matches the mould of a participant who may have been a shrewd addition.
His tenacious tackling, sharp imaginative and prescient, progressive passing, and knack for making late runs into the field may have reworked United’s midfield.
Nevertheless, with Chelsea’s agency stance, this switch could by no means materialise, prompting United to probably pivot in direction of their different midfield targets, akin to Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson.
Stats courtesy of FlashscoreFeature picture Eddie Keogh by way of Getty Pictures
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