Rio Ferdinand has warned that new Manchester United signing Andrey Santos may not be an automatic starter next season, despite the club's urgent need for midfield reinforcements. United agreed a deal worth an initial £48 million for the Chelsea midfielder on Thursday, with add-ons potentially taking the total to £50 million.
United's midfield crisis
United have made rebuilding their midfield a top priority this summer but have already missed out on two top targets: Elliot Anderson joined Manchester City, and Mateus Fernandes moved to Tottenham. With Casemiro leaving the club and Manuel Ugarte facing a spell on the sidelines with a knee injury, United are desperately short of options in the middle of the park.
While Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount can play there, Kobbie Mainoo is the only senior central midfielder available to manager Michael Carrick until new signings arrive. United have also agreed a £35 million deal to sign Ederson from Atalanta, who is expected to become their second signing of the summer.
Ferdinand's verdict
Despite the lack of options, United legend Ferdinand is not convinced Santos will be an automatic starter when the club begin their campaign against newly-promoted Hull City on 22 August. Speaking on his Rio Reacts show, Ferdinand said: 'Is he the guy who is going to replace Casemiro? I don't think he is the guy who immediately jumps into those shoes and performs at that level right now.'
He added: 'Could he grow, does he have the potential? Yes. Could he be the long-term partner for Kobbie Mainoo? Yes, he could. But I'm looking to see who else they bring in in that area because I think he is one of maybe three to come into that area to share the load.'
Fan reaction
Ferdinand acknowledged that some fans have been negative about the signing, but suggested that is because other clubs have been signing more high-profile players. 'He has played in the Premier League, he has got six caps for Brazil. I've seen a lot of the fan base are quite negative about it, but I think they are only negative about it because he's the first one and other clubs are signing players who have been in the news a lot more.'
'Is he a good addition to the squad? Yes. Is he going to start immediately? I would say not right now,' Ferdinand concluded.
