Andrey Santos started once again as Manchester United drew 1-1 against back-to-back Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain in Michael Carrick's side's fourth pre-season fixture. 

As he has done against Wrexham, Rosenborg and Atletico Madrid, Santos partnered Mason Mount, but the England international was withdrawn after just 20 minutes with what appeared to be a foot injury. 

"He [Mount] got kicked. We just wanted to be careful and look after him. We've been lucky with injuries so far, so we wanted to be careful," Carrick said after the match. 

Santos impressed as the deepest midfielder, but at Chelsea, the Brazilian had played a variety of roles in the engine room, including as the No.10 on some occasions. 

As he was a surprise signing, some fans are not yet aware of Santos' best attributes, but he is making them take notice with his performances so far in pre-season. 

Losing Casemiro was a big blow for Manchester United and Michael Carrick, but Santos seems to be a capable replacement thus far. He, too, knows how important the Brazilian was for the Red Devils, as he revealed after the match against PSG. 

"Casemiro, for me, it's like a legend, you know," he said in the mixed zone. "So now he's gone out. Now I'm here, so I feel that I can do like Casemiro did in the last season, and I'm here to do it." 

It seems Santos sees himself as the direct replacement for Casemiro, as he also revealed he prefers to play as the deeper midfielder, rather than in a more advanced position. "My qualities, I like and prefer playing more deep, like a number six," he continued. "So I try to help my teammates without the ball, and with the ball, I love breaking the lines.”

The former Chelsea midfielder was also asked about his reaction when he heard of Manchester United's interest earlier in the summer. 

"When my agent called me, I told my wife, and she said we have to go," he said. "Manchester United is so big, I'm so happy to be here, and I want to win every single game, every single trophy possible."

Santos could be in line to start against Hull City in Manchester United's first Premier League fixture, although Youri Tielemans and Kobbie Mainoo will also be hoping to stake a claim before the end of pre-season. 

Of course, it is still early days, but Andrey Santos looks like a brilliant bit of business by Manchester United, especially considering how quickly the deal was wrapped up. 

Mateus Fernandes looked destined to move to Old Trafford, but instead chose Tottenham Hotspur (alongside Sandro Tonali), leaving United without their man. However, the Red Devils quickly pivoted and signed Santos in a matter of days. 

United have not always been that smart in the transfer market, but they are showing good signs this summer. 

Some fans are concerned that they are not landing their main targets, but the second options (Santos and Tielemans) look more than good enough right now.