‘He Is Not World-Class’ — Steven Gerrard Slams £50m Man Utd Summer Signing After 1-1 Draw vs Spurs

According to a report by Metro on October 12, 2026, Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has questioned Manchester United’s decision to sign Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £50 million, insisting that the Brazilian midfielder is not yet good enough to compete consistently at the highest level.

Santos joined Manchester United during the summer transfer window as manager Michael Carrick looked to strengthen his midfield following Casemiro’s departure. However, the 22-year-old has struggled to establish himself in the starting lineup, starting just one of United’s first six Premier League matches this season.

The Brazilian midfielder made 47 appearances for Chelsea before moving to Old Trafford in a transfer that raised eyebrows among some observers. Manchester United had reportedly considered several other midfield targets, including Elliot Anderson, Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes, before completing the deal for Santos.

Gerrard believes United need more established midfielders if they want to challenge for the Premier League title and compete successfully in the Champions League. Speaking on The Overlap, sponsored by Sky Bet, the former Liverpool captain expressed doubts about whether Santos was the right signing for the club at his reported transfer fee.

Gerrard argued that Manchester United’s midfielders must possess world-class quality and consistently perform at an elite level, particularly when facing the strongest teams in England and Europe.

He pointed to Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice and captain Martin Odegaard as examples of players operating at the highest level. He also referenced Liverpool’s former midfielders Fabinho and Georginio Wijnaldum, who played important roles when the Merseyside club challenged for major honours.

Although Gerrard acknowledged that Santos is a good player, he questioned whether the Brazilian has the qualities required to become a regular starter for Manchester United.

The former England international also discussed Kobbie Mainoo, describing the young midfielder as a good player who still has considerable progress to make before reaching world-class status.

Gerrard identified Bruno Fernandes as Manchester United’s standout midfielder but argued that the Portuguese international lacks enough players of comparable quality around him.

He further suggested that Santos could struggle against elite European opponents, specifically mentioning Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Barcelona. According to Gerrard, United need midfielders capable of performing consistently in crucial matches, including the latter stages of the Champions League.

Santos’ limited playing time has added to the scrutiny surrounding his move. He was an unused substitute in Manchester United’s disappointing 1-1 draw against Tottenham, despite the London club having a player sent off.

The result left United 12th in the Premier League, increasing pressure on Carrick to improve the team’s performances.

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