Andrey Santos Reveals Why Bruno Fernandes Impressed Him Most

Andrey Santos has revealed that Bruno Fernandes was the Manchester United player who impressed him the most when he faced the Red Devils during his time at Chelsea. The Brazilian midfielder praised Fernandes’ exceptional quality and admitted that playing alongside the United captain is now a special opportunity to learn from one of the Premier League‘s most influential players.

Santos made a high-profile move to Old Trafford from Chelsea for a reported £48 million ($64 million) fee last summer as Manchester United continued rebuilding their midfield. Having previously experienced the challenge of facing Fernandes, the 22-year-old now has the opportunity to share the pitch with him and learn from his qualities.

Andrey Santos Names Bruno Fernandes as His Biggest Impression at Manchester United

Before joining Manchester United, Santos faced the club while representing Chelsea during the 2025-26 season. The midfielder remembered the difficult encounter at Old Trafford, which ended in a 2-1 victory for United after Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez was sent off just five minutes into the match.

Despite the difficult circumstances, Santos singled out Fernandes when asked which Manchester United player had impressed him most during that game.

“I remember when I played against United, at home, actually,” he told ESPN.

“It was a really tough game, with red cards, a hard-fought match, but I can’t name anyone [that impressed me] other than Bruno [Fernandes].

“As a football fan, I’ve always watched him play, and being alongside him is special — being able to learn from him and enjoy it. He’s an extraordinary player. I have to say it’s him.”

Fernandes’ influence on Manchester United has been a major part of the club’s midfield identity. His creativity, leadership and ability to produce decisive contributions in attacking areas have made him an important figure at Old Trafford.

For Santos, the opportunity to move from facing Fernandes as an opponent to playing alongside him represents a significant change. The Brazilian has openly acknowledged the admiration he has for the Portugal international and sees the partnership as an opportunity to improve his own game.

Andrey Santos Joined Manchester United in £48 Million Move

Santos’ move from Chelsea to Manchester United came as part of the club’s efforts to strengthen their midfield options. United brought in the Brazilian alongside Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa and Carlos Baleba from Brighton, adding further competition to a department that already included Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo.

The transfer was particularly notable because Santos had only recently established himself in Chelsea’s first team after spending several seasons developing away from Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea originally signed the midfielder from Brazilian club Vasco da Gama in 2023. However, he was sent out on loan four times before getting a regular opportunity in the senior side.

His development included a return to Brazil, an unsuccessful loan spell at Nottingham Forest and two highly successful seasons with Strasbourg. Those experiences helped him gain valuable playing time and eventually earn a place in Chelsea’s first-team plans.

Santos became a regular member of Chelsea’s senior squad during the 2025-26 campaign. One of his appearances came against Manchester United at Old Trafford, where he experienced the difficult 2-1 defeat that he later discussed with ESPN.

Chelsea and Manchester United Experienced Different Second Halves of the Season

The 2-1 result at Old Trafford proved to be an important moment in a season that eventually took very different directions for both clubs. Chelsea and Manchester United experienced major managerial changes in January, with Enzo Maresca and Ruben Amorim both leaving their respective positions.

Chelsea turned to Liam Rosenior, who had previously worked with Santos at Strasbourg, to take charge of the club. Manchester United, meanwhile, appointed Michael Carrick as they looked to improve their performances during the second half of the campaign.

The impact of those changes was reflected in the clubs’ contrasting results. Chelsea struggled to maintain consistency and won only two of their final 11 matches, eventually finishing 10th in the league.

Manchester United enjoyed a much stronger finish under Carrick. Inspired by Fernandes and Casemiro, the Red Devils lost just two of their 17 matches under the manager and secured a third-place finish.

Fernandes played a major role in that improvement, recording a record-breaking 21 assists during the campaign. His performances further underlined why Santos had been so impressed by him during their previous meeting.

Casemiro’s Departure Leaves Santos With a Major Responsibility

Another important development at Manchester United was the departure of Casemiro. The Brazilian midfielder enjoyed one of his strongest seasons at Old Trafford, scoring nine goals and providing two assists.

Casemiro had also been sent off during the match against Chelsea, but his performances under Carrick helped United finish the campaign strongly. Despite that contribution, he announced his departure and joined Lionel Messi at Inter Miami during the summer.

Santos arrived at Manchester United as his replacement, meaning the younger Brazilian now faces the challenge of filling the space left by an experienced midfielder who had achieved significant success at the highest level.

Speaking about the responsibility, Santos acknowledged Casemiro’s importance both in Brazil and at Manchester United. He also made it clear that he welcomes the expectations that come with representing one of the world’s biggest clubs.

“I haven’t been here very long, but I know how big he is — both in Brazil and at Manchester United — and of course that’s a huge responsibility,” he said.

“But as a player, I like responsibility — especially since I’m at one of the biggest clubs in the world, if not the biggest. And I try to do this the best way I can. I always work to give my best.”

His comments suggest that Santos is aware of the expectations surrounding his transfer. Replacing a player with Casemiro’s experience and reputation is a significant challenge, but the Brazilian appears ready to embrace the opportunity.

Andrey Santos Reveals How Manchester United Transfer Happened

Santos’ transfer to Manchester United reportedly developed much faster than expected. The midfielder explained that the move began with an unexpected conversation with his agent while he was taking his children to a paediatrician.

At the time, Manchester United wanted to arrange a meeting with the player. Santos was asked when he would be available to speak with the club, and his response showed how quickly he was prepared to explore the opportunity.

“It happened really fast. I remember I was taking my kids to the paediatrician, and my agent told me that United wanted to set up a meeting with me and asked what time would work for me,” he added.

“I said, ‘Right now.’ I pulled over, left them with my wife at the paediatrician’s office, went to the parking lot, called the chairman and the coach, and I remember that I had that meeting.”

The midfielder revealed that the situation changed completely just two days later. He had been expected to report back to Chelsea, but his agent contacted him during a flight and informed him that the plans had changed.

“About two days later, I was supposed to report to Chelsea. In the middle of the flight, my agent called me and said, ‘Andrey, everything’s changed — it’s not necessary anymore. Just pack your things so you can report to Manchester.’

“It was all very hectic, but thank God everything worked out, and I’m happy to be here.”

The account highlights how quickly negotiations progressed once Manchester United made their interest clear. What initially appeared to be an unexpected opportunity eventually resulted in Santos beginning a new chapter at Old Trafford.

Can Santos Build a Strong Midfield Partnership With Bruno Fernandes?

Santos’ admiration for Fernandes could become an important part of his development at Manchester United. The Portuguese midfielder brings considerable experience, leadership and attacking quality, while the Brazilian arrives with the ambition to establish himself as a regular first-team option.

With Casemiro no longer at the club, Santos has an opportunity to take on greater responsibility in midfield. His ability to adapt to the Premier League, maintain consistency and contribute defensively will be important as he settles into his new surroundings.

Fernandes could also provide valuable guidance. Santos has already described playing alongside him as special, highlighting how much he values the chance to learn from a player he previously admired from the opposition.

The Brazilian’s comments offer an interesting insight into his mindset following the move. He recognises the size of the challenge at Manchester United, understands the expectations attached to replacing Casemiro and appears determined to make the most of his opportunity alongside Fernandes.

After once identifying Fernandes as the standout Manchester United player he faced while at Chelsea, Santos now has the chance to turn that admiration into a midfield partnership at Old Trafford.