Steven Gerrard delivers damning verdict of Man United’s Andrey Santos after Chelsea exit
Andrey Santos was one of the first players to leave Chelsea in the summer window, as Michael Carrick opted to pay £50m and bring him to Man United. But the midfielder is struggling at Old Trafford.
To be fair to Santos, so are Man United as a whole. Carrick’s men have won just one of six Premier League games in all competitions so far, with Santos managing to play in just five of Man United’s eight games.
The Brazil star, who did get recalled by Carlo Ancelotti during the break and earned two caps, was unused against Tottenham on the weekend. Before the break, he failed to get off the bench against Fulham, too.
Jordan Henderson starred in Chelsea’s win over Bournemouth, but who is the club’s greatest-ever free transfer? 🤔
Gerrard doesn’t think Santos is a Man United player
Santos’ departure from Chelsea caused a mixed reaction among Blues fans. His performances, largely under Liam Rosenior, suited Moises Caicedo. More of a ball player, Santos was excellent in transition.
His ability to read the game and make interceptions caught the eye, likely prompting Man United to pay £50m in the summer. But Santos may well regret his move now, given United then signed Carlos Baleba.
Instead of placing their faith in Santos, Carrick decided to bring Baleba in from Brighton, prompting Jamie Redknapp to question Santos’ role in the team. Now, Gerrard has questioned his move altogether.
Speaking on the Overlap Daily, Gerrard said: “For a Man Utd midfield, the ones I played against, it’s way off that level. I just think to play in that midfield every weekend, you’re expected to win the league.
“The Champions League, for a decade; forget the other cups. The midfield players have to be world-class, because at the business end, you’re competing against the best. Arsenal, for example: Rice, Guimaraes.
“Those level of players, Man United need world-class potential midfielders. Mainoo is a really good player, but he’s nowhere near that level. Santos is a good player, but he’s not a Man United player,” he added.
“To be consistent week in, week out and affect games, and I think he’d be found out against PSG, a Real Madrid, a Barcelona midfield, a bit short, in my opinion,” Gerrard continued, discussing Santos at United.
Chelsea were right to sell Andrey Santos, however
Santos was solid for Chelsea during the second half of the season, as Rosenior reunited with the Brazilian, having got him firing at Strasbourg in a more attacking role. But Chelsea have a better midfield now.
Is it too early to say Chelsea have made a mistake selling Andrey Santos?😬
Even with Enzo Fernandez, the Blues have more balance in the middle of the park. Caicedo seems to be getting better and better; they have the experience of Jordan Henderson and the youth of Valentin Barco.
Romeo Lavia might not have started on the weekend, but he has been superb for Belgium over the last few weeks – even earning praise from Zinedine Zidane. Selling Santos gives Lavia and Barco a path.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
