‘He’s not world-class’ — Steven Gerrard writes off Man Utd star after £50m Chelsea transfer

According to a report by Metro on Tuesday October 13, 2026, Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has questioned Manchester United’s decision to sign Andrey Santos from Chelsea, insisting the midfielder may not be good enough to help the club compete for major trophies.

Santos joined United in a reported £50 million transfer over the summer but has struggled to secure a regular place in Michael Carrick’s starting line-up, starting just one of the club’s first six Premier League matches.

Speaking on The Overlap, Gerrard said he was not convinced Santos was the right signing for United, arguing that the club needs consistently world-class midfielders to challenge for the Premier League and Champions League.

‘I’m not sure Andrey Santos was the right signing for Manchester United at £50m,’ Gerrard said on The Overlap, sponsored by Sky Bet.

The former England international warned that Santos could struggle against Europe’s top teams, including Real Madrid, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. ‘Your midfield players have got to be world-class, they’ve got to be world-class, they’ve got to be consistently world-class,” he added.

Gerrard also assessed Kobbie Mainoo, describing him as a good player but insisting he is not yet at world-class level. He identified Bruno Fernandes as United’s only midfielder currently operating at that standard.

Comparing the current squad with United’s previous generations, Gerrard pointed to former stars such as Roy Keane, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and David Beckham, arguing that the club’s present midfield falls well short of those standards.

Santos was an unused substitute in United’s 1-1 draw against Tottenham, which left Carrick’s side 12th in the Premier League. Gerrard’s comments will add further scrutiny to the Brazilian’s performances as United look to strengthen their midfield and return to competing for major honours.

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