Chelsea's Santos considered as Man Utd look to solve midfield issues

Santos latest midfielder considered by Man Utd Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Chelsea paid Vasco da Gama £18m for Brazil midfielder Andrey Santos in 2023BySimon StoneManchester United reporterPublished3 minutes agoCommentsChelsea's Andrey Santos is the latest player Manchester United have taken an interest in as they look to address their problem midfield position.With Casemiro leaving after his contract expired on 30 June and Manuel Ugarte expected to be sold, United went into the summer with England's Kobbie Mainoo as their only recognised central midfielder and with the stated aim of addressing the situation as a matter of priority.Since then, events have taken a turn.Ugarte sustained what the 25-year-old described as "the most serious injury a footballer can face" on World Cup duty for Uruguay against Spain.United are yet to confirm the extent of Ugarte's knee ligament damage. However, it is thought Ugarte suffered cruciate damage that would sideline him for the rest of 2026 at least and rule out any chance of him being sold.In the transfer market, United have encountered more issues.On 25 June, Manchester City agreed a club record £116m deal with Nottingham Forest for England international Elliot Anderson. He had been United's number one midfield target.Then, on 2 July, Tottenham paid a club record £85m for West Ham's Mateus Fernandes. United had pushed hard to sign the Portuguese and genuinely thought he was a player they could attain.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Manchester United have agreed a £35m deal with Atalanta for Brazil midfielder EdersonUgarte has 'most serious injury footballer can face'Published6 days agoMan City agree record fee with Forest for AndersonPublished25 JuneHowever, once Spurs made their interest in Fernandes known, West Ham, under new direction through co-chair Daniel Kretinsky, were able to stick to a valuation in excess of £80m.United would have been willing to pay £8...