Rio Ferdinand believes Andrey Santos is a good signing for Manchester United but has questioned whether the midfielder is ready to become an immediate starter at Old Trafford.
United are on the verge of signing the Chelsea midfielder after reaching a full agreement worth an initial £48 million, with another £2 million available in performance-related add-ons.
The 22-year-old has been viewed as a possible long-term successor to Casemiro, but Ferdinand expects United to make further additions in midfield before the new season.
Rio Ferdinand reacts to Andrey Santos Man United move
Ferdinand discussed the impending transfer on his Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast and immediately questioned whether Santos can step directly into Casemiro’s role.
“Is he the guy who’s gonna replace Casemiro? I don’t think immediately he’s the guy that jumps into those shoes and performs at that level right now.” — Rio Ferdinand
The former United defender does, however, see significant long-term potential in the Brazilian.
Ferdinand believes Santos could eventually become an important part of United’s midfield and even form a partnership with Kobbie Mainoo. His main concern is whether the club have enough experience and quality around the pair to compete immediately.
Santos backed as long-term Mainoo partner
Ferdinand expects Santos to be one of several midfield additions rather than the only major signing in that area.
“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 of midfield.” — Rio Ferdinand
That distinction is important for how the £50 million deal is judged.
Santos arrives with major potential, but Ferdinand does not expect him to immediately carry the responsibility of replacing Casemiro. Instead, the former England international believes United need two or possibly three midfield additions to share the workload.
Ederson is also expected to arrive, which would give United another option, but questions remain over whether the club will sign an established midfielder capable of transforming the starting XI immediately.
Ferdinand explains Man United fan concerns
Some supporters have reacted cautiously to the Santos deal, but Ferdinand believes much of that response is linked to the timing of the transfer.
Manchester City have strengthened with Elliot Anderson, while Tottenham have spent heavily on Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes. Arsenal have also been linked with a major move for Bruno Guimarães.
Against that backdrop, Santos is not the marquee name some United supporters expected to arrive first.
Ferdinand nevertheless believes he improves the squad.
"Is he a good addition to the squad? Yes. Is he gonna start immediately? I would probably say not right now."
Santos offers defensive awareness and the ability to progress possession through midfield, but his role next season may depend heavily on United’s remaining transfer business.
Key Points
- Manchester United have agreed a deal worth up to £50 million for Andrey Santos.
- Rio Ferdinand does not expect the midfielder to become an immediate starter.
- Ferdinand believes Santos could become Kobbie Mainoo’s long-term midfield partner.
- United are expected to make further additions in the position.
- The club legend believes Santos is a good squad signing despite some fan scepticism.
What’s next?
United are expected to complete the formalities of Santos’ arrival before continuing their midfield rebuild.
The next signing could determine how quickly the Brazilian is required to start regularly. If another established midfielder arrives, Santos may be given more time to adapt and develop. Without one, the pressure on the 22-year-old to make an immediate impact will increase considerably.
Is Rio Ferdinand right that Andrey Santos needs time before becoming a regular Man United starter?
1 Comment (last comment by JamesLove)
First read message
By JamesLove 9 Jul 2026 13:35
Business once again from Chelsea… 50 mil for a 3th player and probably not a starter for United. But what I don’t understand why would you buy to expensive midfielders who neither had showed anything in the PL? Instead of going for Tonali?
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