Andrey Santos has completed his first training session with Manchester United following his £50m transfer from Chelsea.
The midfielder joined Michael Carrick’s squad at Carrington as preparations continued for United’s opening pre-season friendly against Wrexham.
Santos and the available first-team players began with gym work before moving outside for a session on the training pitches.
United’s group currently includes senior players who were not involved at the World Cup and several Academy prospects. The remaining internationals will return after receiving time off following the tournament.
The club’s official training update confirmed that Santos had begun work with his new team-mates, although his involvement against Wrexham has not yet been decided.
Santos could make early United debut in Finland
United face Wrexham at Helsinki’s Olympic Stadium on Saturday, 18 July, with kick-off scheduled for 4pm BST.
The friendly gives Carrick an early opportunity to assess Santos alongside his existing midfield options. The 22-year-old did not travel to the World Cup with Brazil, so he can begin pre-season without requiring an extended break.
ReadManUtd previously examined what Santos’ £50m arrival means for Carrick’s midfield rebuild.
Casemiro’s departure and Manuel Ugarte’s injury have left United requiring greater depth in central midfield. Santos can operate in a deeper role or move forward as a box-to-box option.
His ability to regain possession and progress the ball should suit the more controlled midfield Carrick is attempting to build.
It remains unclear whether Santos will start against Wrexham after only one session with the squad. However, a place among the substitutes could offer him his first United minutes before the wider pre-season tour begins.
Carrick now has his first summer signing available on the training pitch. The next step is deciding how quickly Santos can become part of his preferred midfield.
