Former Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt has openly questioned the club's decision to sign Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £50 million, describing the move as a significant gamble in their midfield rebuild. Speaking to Paddy Power, Butt expressed his concerns about the transfer, which comes after United missed out on top targets Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes, and with Aurelien Tchouameni expected to sign a new contract at Real Madrid.
Butt's concerns over Santos
Butt, a six-time Premier League winner with United, said he has watched Santos play but remains unimpressed. 'I've seen him play a few times but nothing stands out that makes you go, “wow, he’s got great ability on the ball or he’s a powerhouse”,' Butt stated. He noted that Santos made only 13 Premier League starts last season for a Chelsea side that finished 10th, adding, 'It doesn’t scream out a good signing to me.'
The 22-year-old Santos impressed on loan at Strasbourg before returning to Chelsea, but with competition from Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, and Romeo Lavia, he managed just 25 starting appearances across all competitions. Butt warned that United are buying potential over proven quality, comparing the risk to Manuel Ugarte's failure to perform at the top level. 'He could come and blow us away... but then again he could just end up being another Manuel Ugarte,' Butt said.
Alternative signing: Sander Berge
Butt suggested that United should instead target Norway midfielder Sander Berge, who has impressed at the World Cup. 'Sander Berge has been brilliant for Norway. There’s always someone at a World Cup that stands out. He’s one of the ones that has really stood out and makes you go, “wow, what a player he is,”' Butt said. He praised Berge's athleticism and size, calling him 'a powerhouse, a really good player.' However, Butt acknowledged that Berge's form for Fulham has been less consistent.
Despite his endorsement, Butt doubts United will sign another midfielder due to financial constraints. 'I can’t see how they can go and buy another midfielder with the finances – they’ve got to get a right back, they’ve got to get a centre back or two, they’ve got to get a centre forward,' he said. 'If they don’t do that then the squad is nowhere near ready to challenge for the top four again.'
United's midfield rebuild
Santos will be the second Brazilian recruit at Old Trafford, with Ederson undergoing the second part of his medical ahead of a £35m move from Atalanta. United have been looking to sign up to three midfielders following Casemiro's departure and Manuel Ugarte's knee injury. The club also retains interest in Bournemouth's Alex Scott and Fulham's Sander Berge, but Butt believes priorities lie elsewhere.
Butt's comments reflect broader skepticism about United's transfer strategy, as they seek to rebuild after a disappointing season. The club's midfield overhaul is critical, but with limited funds, the pressure is on to make the right signings.
