Manchester United are set to complete the signing of 22-year-old Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos from Chelsea in a deal worth £48 million plus £2 million in add-ons. The deal came as a surprise to many fans but was agreed upon quickly over the last few days. 

The club were originally looking to sign Elliot Anderson to replace Casemiro, who left the club after his contract expired. Anderson was also subject to interest from Manchester City, and United's bitter rivals were prepared to break the British transfer record to bring the Nottingham Forest and England star to the Etihad. 

After walking away from that deal, United set their sights on West Ham's Mateus Fernandes. It was reported that the Hammers were demanding a huge fee despite their relegation from the Premier League, but United were favourites to get his signature.

However, they faced strong competition from Tottenham Hotspur and were once again beaten to their top target because they were unwilling to pay a substantial fee. Spurs recently completed the signing of Fernandes, forcing United to move on to alternatives.

Alex Scott is a name that has been widely mentioned, as his future at Bournemouth is now in doubt. Aurelien Tchouameni was seen as the 'dream' target for United, but he has now agreed a new contract at Real Madrid.

Andrey Santos was reportedly a target last summer, and United rekindled their interest 12 months on to make him their first midfield signing, while the transfer of Ederson from Atalanta is in doubt after his medical tests.

The signing of Andrey Santos has brought many mixed opinions from the United fanbase. Some feel underwhelmed whereas others feel optimistic. There is no doubting Santos' potential at 22 years old, with Premier League experience, but some are concerned whether this is the right signing for United at this moment in time.

Chelsea fans also have mixed views on the move. There seems to be a lot of disappointment on their half, given the Brazilian's promising performances, but a portion of their fanbase are happy with the fee.

United legend Paul Scholes has expressed his concerns over the signing, believing the signing is underwhelming. Speaking on his podcast The Good, The Bad & The Football, Scholes said: "I don’t think there’s going to be a lot of excitement about it, is there? Put it that way."

"Why are Chelsea selling him, a 22-year-old kid? Who else is around now, though, who they can get? [Sandro] Tonali has gone [to Tottenham]."

With a major midfield overhaul needed for United, Scholes has questioned who the other additions could be. Many names that could have been the marquee player for the transfer window are now not options, putting United in a worrying position.

"[Bruno] Guimaraes, who is a really good player, I still don’t think he would have suited Manchester United legs-wise, but it looks like he wants to go to Arsenal."

Scholes also suggested Adam Wharton as noise around a potential departure from Crystal Palace has recently quietened down, adding: "I suppose he could be a possibility.

"I think he’s still a good player a will be available at the right price.

"They’ve got to do something.

"Ultimately, with Manchester United especially, it will be the fellas at the top of the club who would be deciding [targets].

"And I think they might see some value in this player [Andrey Santos] as a sellable [asset]. But Manchester United buying players as a sell-on value? We need players for now.

"We’ve got the Champions League next year, we’ve got three games a week. It’s going to be awful without these players."

Before the summer transfer window, Manchester United's plans had consisted of signing three midfielders, a backup goalkeeper, potentially a backup striker, and a left-sided player - either a left-back or winger.

Elliot Anderson was the priority midfield signing, but the club deemed the fee too high. Fernandes was a target, but they also saw the price as too high, and with other targets like Sandro Tonali, Aurelien Tchouameni and Bruno Guimaraes no longer options, United are left with a number of names that may not live up to the standard of what they need.

Alex Scott and Manu Kone are the names that feel most likely, but any deal will depend on whether United consider the fee fair. Santos could provide good depth in midfield, but could take time to grow into a regular in the side.

Ederson seemed like the first signing of the summer, but after medical tests revealed a potential knee issue, it is unclear whether United will proceed with the deal.