Manchester United midfielder Andrey Santos has said that he has the credentials to take over the mantle from Casemiro during the upcoming season.
Casemiro had a brilliant final campaign with the Red Devils. The Brazilian star registered nine goals and two assists from 34 appearances in the Premier League.
The former Real Madrid man also stepped up with his defensive contributions, but his limited mobility meant United chose to part ways after his contract expired.
Casemiro’s departure on a free transfer has left a big void to fill in the number six position next term, but Santos is confident that he can take over those duties.
He said (via BBC Sport): “I prefer playing deep like a number six. I try help my teammates without the ball and with the ball I love breaking the lines. For me, Casemiro is a legend. Now he is gone, and I am here. I feel that I can do like Casemiro did last season.”
Santos has shown good promise in pre-season
The Red Devils signed Santos in a surprise £48 million transfer from Chelsea last month, and the Brazilian ace has already played a big role during pre-season.
He has been a consistent starter alongside Mason Mount in the heart of the midfield, given Youri Tielemans and Kobbie Mainoo have had World Cup breaks.
Mount recently picked up an injury scare during the friendly against Paris Saint-Germain, but manager Michael Carrick clarified that he only received a big kick.
As things stand, Santos and Mount could be the likely central midfield pairing for the Premier League opener against newly-promoted Hull City on August 22.
Mainoo’s late return after World Cup duty means he may need to rebuild his fitness over the next few weeks and may not be an assured starter for the curtain-raiser.
Youri Tielemans, who made his non-competitive debut for United against PSG, could still have something to say in the friendlies against Leeds United and AC Milan.
Santos never got a genuine opportunity as a number six at Chelsea, with Moises Caicedo being an undisputed starter for the west London giants in the league.
At United, he will be given the opportunity to establish himself as a holding midfielder. The 22-year-old has the potential to do that, but needs to replicate it on matchdays.
