Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Ince has questioned the club’s reported decision to sign Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos from Chelsea while expressing confidence that Marcus Rashford can rediscover his best form under new head coach Michael Carrick.
According to reports, United have strengthened their midfield by bringing in Santos as part of a squad rebuild following the departure of Casemiro. The reported £50 million deal has attracted attention, with Ince arguing that the investment is difficult to understand given the emergence of academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo.
Speaking about the transfer, Ince said he was surprised the club chose to spend heavily on another young central midfielder when Mainoo has already shown he can become a regular first-team player. He noted that although Santos is regarded as a talented prospect, the fee appears significant for a player who has yet to fully establish himself at the highest level.
Santos joined Chelsea with high expectations but struggled to secure regular first-team opportunities. During his time with the London club, he spent periods on loan with Vasco da Gama, Nottingham Forest and Strasbourg, gaining valuable experience while continuing his development.
Despite Ince’s reservations, Manchester United reportedly believe the Brazilian has the qualities needed to become an important figure in the club’s future. The Red Devils have also strengthened their midfield further with the reported signing of Belgian international Youri Tielemans, adding more competition for places ahead of the new campaign.
While questioning the Santos transfer, Ince praised Mainoo’s progress, saying the young midfielder showed significant improvement during the latter part of last season. He highlighted Mainoo’s increased defensive contribution, composure on the ball and growing influence in attacking situations as evidence that the academy graduate is ready for a bigger role.
The former England international also described Tielemans as an excellent player capable of improving Manchester United’s midfield, although he suggested the Belgian offers a more creative profile rather than operating as a traditional defensive midfielder.
Beyond the midfield discussion, Ince believes one of Manchester United’s biggest advantages this season could be the return of Marcus Rashford.
Rashford spent part of last season on loan at Barcelona, where he reportedly impressed by contributing 14 goals and 14 assists across all competitions. Despite his productive spell in Spain, uncertainty remained over his long-term future following his reduced role under former manager Ruben Amorim.
Ince, however, believes new manager Michael Carrick has the personality and experience to help Rashford regain confidence and become a key figure at Old Trafford once again.
He argued that Rashford simply needs the backing of his manager and a clearly defined role within the team. According to Ince, reassurance from Carrick that he remains an important part of Manchester United’s plans could allow the England international to return to the form that established him as one of the Premier League’s most dangerous forwards.
Rashford’s future is expected to remain one of the major talking points as Manchester United prepare for the new season, with supporters eager to see whether the forward can rebuild his career and help the club compete for major honours. Meanwhile, the performances of Santos, Mainoo and the club’s revamped midfield will also come under close scrutiny as United begin a new chapter under Carrick’s leadership.
