Manchester United have returned to preseason training as they continue to prepare for the upcoming Premier League season
Harry Maguire is “really impressed” with Andrey Santos after his strong debut for Manchester United.
The midfielder arrived at Old Trafford from Chelsea in July, signing a five-year deal for an initial £48million fee. Santos became the first acquisition of the Michael Carrick era and got down to business against Wrexham.
Maguire captained United in the first half and played alongside the 22-year-old. It was here and in training that the veteran defender was left impressed.
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Appearing on the Sky Sports Golf channel for The Open, Maguire admitted that the Brazil international had already caused a stir. He said: “Andrey played yesterday. He really impressed us in the first week and I think we’ve signed two great players there,” also referencing Youri Tielemans.
Carrick also praised Santos before his first United appearance, saying: “He’s settled in really well, he’s a fantastic character. He’s settled in so quickly and he’s buzzing to be here, you can see that.”
The 22-year-old watched on as United fell to a 1-0 defeat against Wrexham after being subbed off at half-time. Despite the loss, Carrick had plenty to say about Santos’ initial debut.
He said: “There’s loads of little positives to take from the game. I thought Andrey and Mason [Mount] did some really good things and connected really well. I could see some positives there.
“[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.”
Santos admitted his desire to start strong and his excitement about working with his new teammates. He said: “I can learn a lot too from Bruno, so I’m so excited to play with my team-mates, with Bruno, with Matheus, with Kobbie [Mainoo], with Amad, with Diogo [Dalot], with Harry [Maguire], so with everyone.”
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