Andrey Santos claims he can replace Casemiro at Manchester United

Andrey Santos claims he can replace Casemiro at Manchester United Andrey Santos claims he can replace Casemiro at Manchester United.  Santos joined United last month from Chelsea in a deal worth up to £50 million.  The club’s director of football Jason Wilcox described the Brazilian as a box-to-box midfielder but he has played in a deeper role in the last four pre-season friendlies.  Man Utd also signed Youri Tielemans but still seek a third midfielder following Casemiro’s departure and a long-term injury to Manuel Ugarte.  Santos is confident he can step into Casemiro’s shoes and be the club’s new number six.  Talking to the media after United’s 1-1 draw with Paris Saint-Germain, he said ( BBC Sport ): “I prefer playing deep like a number six. I try help my teammates without the ball and with the ball I love breaking the lines.  “For me Casemiro is a legend. Now he’s gone and I’m here. I feel that I can do like Casemiro did last season.” United targeted Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes earlier this summer. But they withdrew from discussions for the duo because of the excessive financial demands from their respective clubs.  The Red Devils have apparently learned from their past mistakes as they have remained disciplined in the transfer window so far.  United paid an initial £48m fee plus £2m in add-ons to sign Santos from Chelsea, and that looks to be a good decision.  The Brazil international has started all four pre-season games and has impressed with his performances.  He had 44 touches in the 1-1 draw against PSG, completing 95 percent of his passes and making five defensive contributions.  Santos was a squad player at Chelsea, and now he is set for a bigger role at Old Trafford.  He is young and highly talented, but it remains to be seen whether he has the mental fortitude to thrive at United.  Stats from Sofascore