Andrey Santos reveals preferred deep-lying role, aims to emulate Casemiro at Man United
Manchester United summer signing Andrey Santos has told manager Michael Carrick his preferred position is a deep-lying number six, saying he likes to help teammates without the ball and break lines with it, and wants to emulate the playing style of fellow Brazilian Casemiro. Santos, 22, joined from Chelsea this summer in a deal reportedly worth £48 million, after Casemiro’s contract expired and the 34‑year‑old moved to MLS side Inter Miami. United also brought in Youri Tielemans as midfield reinforcement, while Santos made only 47 appearances for Chelsea.
Casemiro made 160 appearances for United over four years, scoring 26 goals and providing 14 assists, and is regarded as one of the premier defensive midfielders of the modern era. Santos hopes to follow in his footsteps and fill the defensive midfield void left by the Brazilian’s departure.
For United supporters, the key question is whether Santos can replicate Casemiro’s influence and provide the steel needed in midfield as the new season approaches.