Key Takeaways:
- Andrey Santos made his Manchester United debut on Saturday in a 1-0 pre-season loss to Wrexham in Helsinki
- The 22-year-old completed 93 per cent of his passes, created two chances, and made four defensive contributions during 45 minutes on the pitch
- Santos joined United after impressing at Chelsea and on loan at Strasbourg, where he registered 11 goals and five assists
Match Overview: Pre-Season Action in Helsinki
Manchester United’s preparations for the new campaign continued on Saturday in Helsinki, where Michael Carrick’s side suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Wrexham. Despite the result, all eyes were on new Brazilian signing Andrey Santos, who featured in the first half for United and made a notable impression on his debut.
🚨🚨| Manchester United 𝐋𝐎𝐒𝐄 their first preseason game to Wrexham by 1-0. ❌🔴 pic.twitter.com/UINhyNLvwh
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) July 18, 2026
Santos’ Debut Performance Analysed
The 22-year-old midfielder, who committed to the club with a contract running until 2031, showcased his technical abilities during his opening 45 minutes. Santos completed 93 per cent of his passes, carved out two chances for his team-mates, and made four defensive contributions. His composure and vision were evident as he sought to integrate into United’s midfield alongside Mason.
Impressive Track Record Before United Signing
Santos arrived at Old Trafford having previously played for Chelsea and, most recently, impressed on loan at Strasbourg. During his stint in Ligue 1, he found the net 11 times and provided five assists, signalling his potential as both a scorer and a creator in midfield.
Management’s Verdict
Michael Carrick expressed his satisfaction with Santos’ introduction, highlighting both individual moments and the developing chemistry in midfield. Carrick told the club’s website, “There’s loads of little positives to take from the game. I thought Andrey and Mason did some really good things and connected really well. I could see some positives there.”
He added, “At the top end of the pitch, just because it is a week in, those sharp little movements and bright moments that you are looking for, they come as you progress through the weeks of training.
“That is what it is. There were good signs from Andrey on his first one, he’s getting in the rhythm and feel of it again, so it was good to see him in a red shirt.”
