Michael Carrick has reportedly placed huge confidence in Andrey Santos and believes the Brazilian midfielder can become one of the most important players for Manchester United during the 2026/27 campaign.
The Manchester United head coach has been impressed by what he has seen from the 21-year-old since his arrival at Old Trafford, with Santos already showing qualities that could make him a central figure in Carrick’s plans. Manchester United completed the signing of Santos from Chelsea in July for a reported £50 million, with the agreement consisting of £48 million guaranteed plus £2 million in add-ons, and the midfielder has since been given an opportunity to demonstrate why the club were prepared to make such a significant investment.
Carrick’s belief in Santos comes at an important moment for Manchester United. The club have been attempting to rebuild their midfield after several seasons of inconsistency in that area, and the arrival of Santos alongside Youri Tielemans represents a major part of that rebuilding process. Carrick has already made it clear that Manchester United need to continue improving their squad, but the emergence of Santos during pre-season has given the manager another reason to be optimistic about the quality and balance of his midfield. Reports from United’s pre-season campaign indicate that Santos featured consistently and made a positive impression as the club prepared for the new Premier League season.
For Carrick, the attraction of Santos is not simply his age or potential. The Brazilian midfielder offers a combination of physical strength, technical ability, energy and intelligence that can give Manchester United greater control in the centre of the pitch. The Premier League’s own analysis of the signing highlighted Santos’ qualities and specifically examined how his characteristics could fit into Carrick’s system at Old Trafford. His ability to contribute both defensively and offensively makes him particularly valuable to a Manchester United side looking to become more competitive against the strongest teams in the division.
Santos has also arrived at Manchester United with considerable experience despite being only 21. His time at Chelsea and his loan spells helped him develop in different environments before United decided to make a major investment in his future. ESPN reported that Santos made 28 Premier League appearances for Chelsea before completing his move to Old Trafford, meaning he is not arriving as an entirely untested youngster who needs several years before being considered for first-team football.
Carrick is understood to appreciate the midfielder’s maturity as much as his technical qualities. Santos has quickly adapted to the demands of his new club, and his attitude during pre-season has reportedly strengthened the belief within the coaching staff that he can handle the pressure associated with playing for Manchester United. That is particularly important because expectations surrounding the midfielder are already high following the size of the transfer fee and the club’s decision to hand him a long-term contract. Manchester United signed Santos on a deal running until June 2031, with an option for an additional year, demonstrating how strongly the club believe in his long-term potential.
The midfielder’s pre-season performances have further increased excitement around his potential role. Santos was involved throughout United’s tour and played alongside several of the club’s younger players, giving Carrick the opportunity to assess how he could fit into the team before competitive football begins. Reports from the tour described Santos as one of the players who stood out, while his performances helped create optimism that United may finally have a midfielder capable of providing greater physicality and dynamism in the middle of the pitch.
Carrick’s own football background also makes his assessment of Santos particularly interesting. As a former Manchester United midfielder, Carrick understands better than most what is required to control games from the centre of the pitch at Old Trafford. During his playing career, he was recognised for his passing, positional intelligence and ability to dictate the tempo of matches. That experience could prove valuable for Santos as he adapts to his new surroundings, because Carrick can help him understand not only what Manchester United expect from him tactically but also the responsibility that comes with playing in the club’s midfield.
The arrival of Santos could therefore represent more than simply another transfer. It could be the beginning of a new midfield identity for Manchester United. For too long, the club have struggled to find a consistent combination of players capable of providing defensive protection, ball progression and attacking support. Carrick appears determined to address that weakness, and Santos has been brought in as one of the players who can help transform the midfield into a stronger and more balanced unit.
The Brazilian’s versatility could be another major advantage. Santos can operate in deeper midfield positions but also has the ability to move forward and contribute closer to the opposition penalty area. That flexibility could allow Carrick to change Manchester United’s approach depending on the opponent. Against teams that dominate possession, Santos could be asked to provide additional defensive protection and help Manchester United win the ball. Against opponents who sit deeper, his ability to carry possession and make forward runs could become equally important.
This could also allow Bruno Fernandes to operate with greater freedom. The Manchester United captain remains one of the most influential players in the squad, having enjoyed an outstanding previous season and setting a new Premier League record for assists, according to Reuters. If Santos can provide greater security behind Fernandes, the Portuguese playmaker could be given more opportunities to concentrate on creating chances and influencing the final third.
The partnership between Santos and Tielemans could also become one of the most important tactical developments at Old Trafford. Tielemans brings experience, composure and passing quality, while Santos offers youth, athleticism and defensive energy. Carrick now has the possibility of building a midfield around complementary characteristics rather than relying on players with overlapping weaknesses. The combination could give United more control in matches while also allowing the team to transition more effectively between defence and attack.
There is also an argument that Santos could become particularly important during the demanding periods of the season. Manchester United are returning to the Champions League after securing a third-place Premier League finish last season, meaning Carrick will have to manage a squad competing on multiple fronts. Rotation will be essential, and having a midfielder capable of playing regularly across domestic and European competitions could become extremely valuable.
Carrick has nevertheless stressed that Manchester United still require further additions. The manager has publicly indicated that he wants and needs more signings before the transfer window closes, particularly because he does not believe the current squad is completely finished. Sky Sports reported that United had brought in Santos, Tielemans and goalkeeper Karl Darlow while Carrick continued to push for further improvements before the September 1 deadline.
That situation does not necessarily diminish Santos’ importance. In fact, it could make his role even more significant. If Manchester United add another midfielder, Santos would still be expected to compete strongly for a starting position because the club did not spend £50 million on him with the intention of keeping him on the bench. The investment indicates that United see him as part of the club’s immediate plans as well as its long-term future.
Carrick’s confidence could also help Santos settle quickly. Moving from Chelsea to Manchester United represents a major change, particularly because of the pressure that surrounds every player wearing the famous red shirt. The midfielder will be expected to justify his price tag, perform in front of a demanding Old Trafford crowd and help United challenge for major honours. Having the manager publicly demonstrate faith in him can provide the player with the confidence necessary to perform without constantly worrying about making mistakes.
There is already evidence that Santos himself is embracing the challenge. Following his move, he spoke positively about Manchester and described his arrival as a dream, showing how strongly he feels about the opportunity. His early adaptation and performances have only increased the belief that he could become an important figure for the club.
The expectations, however, need to be managed carefully. Santos is still only 21, and Manchester United should not expect him to solve every midfield problem immediately. Even talented young players need time to adjust to a new tactical system, new teammates and the intensity of a club of United’s size. Carrick’s role will therefore be crucial in ensuring that Santos develops without being placed under unnecessary pressure.
What makes the situation particularly exciting is that Santos appears to have arrived at the right time. Manchester United are attempting to build a new era under Carrick, and the manager has already shown a willingness to give younger players opportunities. The club’s improved league position last season and return to the Champions League have created a platform for further development, while the addition of Santos gives Carrick another important piece for his rebuilding project.
If Santos continues to develop at the rate Manchester United expect, his £50 million transfer fee could eventually look like a worthwhile investment. The midfielder has the age, physical attributes and technical qualities to become a long-term presence at Old Trafford, while his early performances suggest that he may not need a lengthy adaptation period before making a significant contribution.
For Carrick, the priority will now be to turn that potential into consistent Premier League performances. The manager will want Santos to become more than an exciting signing. He will want him to become a dependable midfielder who can influence matches, protect the defence, move the ball forward and help United control difficult games.
That is why Carrick’s belief in Santos is so important. Manchester United are not simply investing in another young midfielder; they are investing in a player who could become a key component of their midfield for many years. With the club preparing for the 2026/27 Premier League campaign and Champions League football, Santos has an opportunity to establish himself quickly.
If the Brazilian can maintain the level he showed during pre-season, there is every reason to believe that he could become one of the breakout players of Manchester United’s new era. Carrick clearly sees something special in him, and the manager’s confidence could be the beginning of a relationship that ultimately sees Santos become one of the most important midfielders at Old Trafford.
For Manchester United supporters, the biggest hope will be that Santos can translate his impressive potential into consistent performances when the competitive season begins. The club have spent significant money rebuilding their midfield, and Santos represents perhaps the clearest symbol of that new direction. Carrick wants a stronger, more energetic and more balanced Manchester United, and the young Brazilian could be at the heart of that transformation.
With the new season approaching, the spotlight will inevitably fall on Manchester United’s biggest names, but Santos could quietly become one of the most important players in Carrick’s team. His ability to combine youth with experience, defensive responsibility with attacking ambition, and physical strength with technical quality gives him the profile of a midfielder capable of becoming central to United’s ambitions.
Carrick’s backing is therefore more than a simple compliment. It represents a clear indication that Manchester United believe Santos is ready to play a meaningful role immediately. After investing £50 million to bring him from Chelsea, the club will now hope that the Brazilian can repay that faith on the pitch and establish himself as one of the foundations of Manchester United’s next generation.
If everything goes according to Carrick’s plans, Andrey Santos will not merely be an important player for Manchester United this summer. He could become one of the defining midfielders of the Carrick era.