Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has reportedly made a major decision regarding Andrey Santos, with the Brazilian midfielder no longer considered an automatic starter in the manager’s plans following the club’s recent matches and the increasing competition for places in midfield.
The development represents a significant change in the situation surrounding Santos, who arrived at Manchester United with huge expectations after being identified as one of the key players capable of transforming Carrick’s midfield. The Brazilian has impressed with his energy, physical presence and ability to contribute defensively, but Carrick now appears ready to make difficult selection decisions as he searches for the strongest possible combination in the middle of the pitch. With Manchester United facing a demanding campaign, the manager is understood to be placing greater emphasis on consistency, tactical discipline and performances rather than reputation or transfer fee, meaning even important summer signings will have to fight for their places.
Santos had initially appeared to be on course for a prominent role under Carrick, particularly after receiving opportunities during pre-season and demonstrating that he could adapt quickly to the demands of English football. His ability to cover ground, win challenges and provide protection in front of the defence made him an attractive option for a United side that has been searching for greater balance in midfield. However, the arrival and emergence of additional midfield options have changed the situation considerably, leaving Carrick with a selection dilemma that could force Santos to spend more time on the bench than many supporters originally expected.
The biggest factor behind the situation is the increased competition for midfield positions. Manchester United have continued strengthening the area, giving Carrick several different profiles to choose from depending on the opponent and tactical approach. Youri Tielemans brings experience, technical quality and passing ability, while Carlos Baleba offers athleticism, defensive strength and the ability to cover large areas of the pitch. With Santos also competing for minutes, Carrick now has several players capable of performing important roles, making it increasingly difficult for one midfielder to establish himself as an undisputed starter.
The latest development is particularly significant because Santos was expected to become an important part of United’s long-term project. His arrival was viewed as a statement of intent, with the club looking to build a younger and more dynamic midfield capable of competing at the highest level. Carrick has previously spoken positively about the midfielder’s adaptation and qualities, suggesting that the coaching staff remain impressed by what they have seen from him. Consequently, Santos losing his automatic starting status should not necessarily be interpreted as the manager losing faith in him. Instead, it appears to be a consequence of the fierce competition now developing within the squad.
Carrick is also under increasing pressure to find the right formula after Manchester United dropped points against Everton in a dramatic Premier League encounter. United twice took the lead but were eventually denied victory after Everton scored a late equaliser, leaving Carrick with plenty to analyse ahead of the club’s next fixtures. The result has increased the importance of tactical decisions, particularly in midfield, where United need players capable of controlling matches when they are ahead and preventing opponents from gaining momentum. Carrick is therefore expected to continue experimenting with his midfield combinations until he identifies the players he believes can deliver the required consistency.
For Santos, the development means the coming weeks could become one of the most important periods of his Manchester United career. Instead of being able to assume that he will start whenever he is fit, the Brazilian will have to prove his value whenever Carrick gives him an opportunity. Whether that opportunity comes from the beginning of a match or from the substitutes’ bench, Santos will need to demonstrate that he can influence games and justify his selection. His response could ultimately determine whether he quickly returns to the starting XI or finds himself further down the midfield pecking order.
There is also a possibility that the change could benefit Santos in the long term. Being challenged for a starting position can push a young player to improve different areas of his game, and Santos now has an opportunity to study the qualities of his competitors while continuing to develop under Carrick. Manchester United will also have a packed schedule, meaning rotation will be unavoidable. Even if Santos does not start every Premier League match, there should be plenty of opportunities for him to feature in European and domestic competitions, giving him opportunities to maintain his rhythm and fight his way back into Carrick’s strongest XI.
The arrival of Baleba could make the competition even more intense. Once the midfielder is fully available, Carrick will have another powerful option capable of playing a physically demanding role in the centre of the pitch. This could lead to several different midfield combinations, with Carrick potentially changing his selection based on the opponent. Santos could still be preferred against certain teams because of his defensive qualities and work rate, while another midfielder could be selected when United require more control or creativity. Therefore, his current situation should be viewed as a tactical battle rather than a permanent demotion.
Manchester United supporters will now be watching Santos closely to see how he reacts to the latest challenge. The Brazilian has already demonstrated that he possesses the physical and technical qualities required to play at a high level, but establishing himself at Old Trafford requires much more than potential. He must show consistency, concentration and the ability to perform under pressure. Carrick is unlikely to guarantee a starting place to any player simply because of their reputation, and Santos will have to convince his manager through his performances that he deserves to be on the pitch.
Despite the latest reports, it is important to stress that there is no reliable evidence that Carrick has publicly declared that Santos is permanently out of his starting plans. The more accurate interpretation is that the midfielder is no longer guaranteed a place in the starting XI because of the growing competition within the squad. That distinction is important because football teams can change quickly, particularly when they have several competitions to play. An impressive performance from Santos could immediately change Carrick’s thinking, while injuries, suspensions or tactical adjustments could also create another route back into the starting team.
For now, however, the message surrounding Andrey Santos is clear: his place at Manchester United must be earned. Carrick appears determined to create a squad in which competition is fierce and every player understands that performances will determine selection. Santos remains an important part of United’s midfield project, but he can no longer afford to take his position for granted. The Brazilian will have to respond to the challenge, and if he can produce the level of performances that convinced Manchester United to invest heavily in him, there is every possibility that he will eventually force his way back into Carrick’s strongest starting XI.
This developing situation could therefore become one of the most interesting selection battles at Manchester United this season. Santos has the talent to become a major player for the club, but Carrick’s latest approach suggests that nobody is guaranteed a starting position. With Baleba, Tielemans and other midfield options competing for opportunities, Santos will need to raise his level and make every appearance count. Manchester United supporters will now wait to see whether the Brazilian accepts the challenge and fights his way back into the team or whether Carrick continues with a different midfield combination in the matches ahead.