According to a report by Metro on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, former England midfielder Jamie Redknapp has criticised Manchester United's decision to sign Andrey Santos from Chelsea, arguing that those responsible for the £50 million transfer should lose their jobs.

United recruited the Brazilian midfielder during the summer transfer window as part of their efforts to strengthen the middle of the pitch following Casemiro's departure and Manuel Ugarte's serious injury at the World Cup.

However, Santos has struggled to establish himself at Old Trafford, managing just seven starts for a Manchester United side enduring a disappointing 2026/27 campaign.

The 22-year-old was one of three midfield additions made by United, alongside Carlos Baleba and Youri Tielemans, but the recruitment strategy has attracted criticism over the players' suitability for the club.

Speaking on The Overlap Daily, Redknapp questioned why United invested such a significant amount in Santos, insisting that the midfielder does not possess the qualities required to represent a club competing for major honours.

The former Liverpool and Tottenham midfielder acknowledged that Santos was not a poor footballer but argued that his overall ability was insufficient for Manchester United's expectations.

Redknapp also questioned the decision to bring in both Santos and Tielemans, suggesting that their playing profiles were too similar to those of existing midfield options, including Kobbie Mainoo.

He expressed concerns about the lack of athleticism in the midfield department, particularly the ability of the players to cover ground and compete physically against opponents.

When it was pointed out that United's recruitment director, Christopher Vivell, had previously worked with Santos during his time at Chelsea, Redknapp suggested that this made the transfer decision even more difficult to understand. Redknapp is not the first former footballer to question the Brazilian's arrival at Old Trafford.

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard previously expressed doubts about whether Santos was the appropriate signing for United, arguing that the club needed midfielders capable of competing consistently at the highest level in the Premier League and Champions League.

Gerrard acknowledged the youngster's potential but maintained that his qualities were not enough to address Manchester United's midfield problems. Meanwhile, United's disappointing performances have increased uncertainty surrounding Michael Carrick's position as manager.

Former Tottenham and Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as the leading candidate to replace him, with his potential first assignment being a difficult Premier League meeting against Liverpool at Anfield on November 22.