Manchester United went up against Wrexham in a pre-season clash held in Finland, where supporters of the Red Devils had their first proper look at new recruit Andrey Santos, who was immediately included in the starting line-up.

The club invested heavily to bring Santos to Old Trafford, viewing him as the ideal successor to Casemiro in the midfield. He is expected to form a strong partnership with fellow summer arrival Youri Tielemans in the centre of the park.

The Brazilian midfielder, long regarded as a rising star, never got a consistent run of matches during his time at Chelsea, which opened the door for Manchester United to secure his services.

Before the match, United manager Michael Carrick shared his thoughts on the 22-year-old talent and what lies ahead for him at the club.

Speaking to journalist Chris Wheeler, Carrick said, “He’s settled in really well. He’s a fantastic character. He’s buzzing to be here, and he’s a fantastic player.”

The former England midfielder added, “He’ll do really well for us, so I’m looking forward to watching his development during his time here.”

While Manchester United had been linked with several defensive midfield options over the past year, Santos always appeared to be the smartest long-term solution.

At a reported fee of around £50 million, he could prove to be a real bargain if he can replicate the outstanding performances that made him one of Ligue 1’s top midfielders during his loan stint with Strasbourg.

Instead of splashing out on a more established player with limited resale value, United have opted for a midfielder who offers world-class ball-winning ability, composure in possession, and great athleticism.

There remains significant scope for him to improve, but the raw qualities are already in place. Santos looks like the kind of player who could anchor United’s midfield for the next ten years.

He is an immensely gifted player who simply needed the right surroundings and consistent playing time to reach his potential, and Old Trafford could provide just that platform for his breakthrough.

Supporters will be hoping that this match signals the beginning of a highly successful spell for the Brazilian in the famous red shirt.