MANCHESTER UNITED fans are raving about Andrey Santos’ debut.
Santos was the man of the hour as he was handed his first start under Michael Carrick against Championship side Wrexham.
Andrey Santos made his United debut against Wrexham Credit: Getty
Santos will don the number 17 for United Credit: Getty
The £50m midfielder stood out as he started alongside Mason Mount at the base of United’s midfield in Helsinki.
While United’s first preseason game was an opportunity for all-important minutes in the legs, Santos brought defensive discipline and an edge to United’s midfield.
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The 22-year-old former Chelsea man created two chances and had the highest passing accuracy on the pitch.
He played against Wrexham’s Sam Smith, who came through the ranks at Carrington before his release aged 16. It was Smith who netted the winner.
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There was more evidence of why United splashed £50million to prise the Brazilian away from Chelsea, with Santos boasting a remarkable 68 per cent ground duel win rate last season (credits StatmanDave) – the highest of any Premier League midfielder.
Although United slipped to a 1-0 defeat after Smith struck in the 39th minute, Santos emerged as one of the biggest positives before being replaced at half-time.
Supporters were quick to praise the Brazilian after his first outing in red.
One fan said: “Santos, I have great expectations from you.”
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Santos has already won many United fans over after just one half of football Credit: Getty
Another wrote: “He looked pretty good and was pretty aggressive both with and without the ball.”
A third added: “Composed on the ball. Covers space quickly.”
While another joked: “He looked like a samba star who just discovered the pitch is actually a runway, and he’s already got the crowd chanting his name.”
Santos is one of three midfield additions already brought in by Carrick this summer following his £50million switch from Chelsea.
Belgium captain Youri Tielemans has also arrived from Aston Villa, while highly-rated Colombian teenager Cristian Orozco has joined after turning 18, with the youngster already drawing comparisons to Chelsea and Ecuador star Moises Caicedo.
