According to a report from FootballTransfers, on Tuesday November 03, 2026, former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has unleashed a scathing attack on Manchester United's transfer strategy, singling out their €56.3 million signing of Chelsea's Andrey Santos as a particularly egregious example.

According to Merson, Santos's summer arrival was part of a larger midfield makeover orchestrated by Michael Carrick, who brought in a trio of new recruits, including Carlos Baleba and Youri Tielemans.

However, the £54m Brazilian international has failed to make a lasting impression on the pitch, largely due to being axed from Carrick's starting lineup following Man Utd's disheartening opening day defeat to Hull City.

"It's a complete waste of money," Merson bluntly stated. "Santos has looked lost on the pitch, like a fish out of water. United's midfield was already overflowing with talent, and now they've added a player who's struggling to make an impact. It's a classic example of overpaying for a player who's not going to make a significant difference in the long run."

Merson's withering assessment is unlikely to sit well with United fans, who had high hopes for the talented Brazilian. As the Red Devils continue to grapple with inconsistent form and a faltering title bid, Merson's harsh words serve as a stark reminder that United's transfer strategy still has a long way to go in delivering results.