Micah Richards believes Andrey Santos is being asked to carry too much too quickly at Manchester United, arguing that the Brazilian’s slow start reflects a wider midfield problem rather than an individual failure. Santos started the 3–2 Carabao Cup loss to Brighton alongside Youri Tielemans but was substituted in the 66th minute as United lost control and surrendered a two-goal lead.
Richards said he felt “a little bit sorry” for Santos because the 22-year-old arrived from Chelsea for £50 million with immediate expectations attached. The midfielder has started only one of United’s first four Premier League matches and has made five appearances in all competitions without a goal or assist.
“Santos, I feel a little bit sorry for, because he’s coming to the squad, he got brought in for £50m, and everyone expected him to hit the ground running. It’s not that at the moment.”
The former Manchester City defender’s larger criticism focused on United’s lack of mobility and organisation when Santos and Tielemans play together. Richards considers Tielemans a good player, but questioned whether the midfield pairing has the athleticism and positional clarity to press effectively and protect the defence when opponents bypass the first line.
“Tielemans is a very good player, but it’s not the most mobile team. So, when you actually look at them tactically, when they try to get the ball back, they’re finding it very difficult. At times in the game, they were pressing really high. As soon as they got beyond the first press, it was all a bit unorganised, no one really knowing what they needed to do.”
Brighton’s comeback illustrated the concern. United led 2–0 through Shea Lacey and Mason Mount, but Charalampos Kostoulas scored before half-time, then Pascal Groß and Maxim De Cuyper struck within four second-half minutes to knock United out of the competition.
Santos received mixed assessments after the match. One report rated him 4/10 and said he did little to strengthen his case for regular selection, while others viewed his display more favourably and identified wider defensive failings—particularly from Diogo Dalot, Ayden Heaven and Noussair Mazraoui—as the decisive factors. That variation underlines the risk of making Santos the sole explanation for the defeat.
The most important point is that Santos is still adapting to a new club, new manager and unsettled midfield. United need clearer pressing roles, more mobility around the Brazilian and stronger protection after losing possession. Until those collective issues improve, Santos is likely to continue looking exposed in matches where the team’s structure breaks down.
