Manchester United have added Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos to their list of transfer targets as the club intensifies efforts to rebuild its midfield ahead of the new season.

United’s plans have become increasingly urgent following the departure of veteran midfielder Casemiro, whose contract expired on 30 June. With only Kobbie Mainoo remaining as a recognised senior central midfielder, strengthening the engine room has become a top priority.

The situation has been further complicated by the injury to Manuel Ugarte while on World Cup duty with Uruguay against Spain. The 25-year-old described the setback as “the most serious injury a footballer can face,” and although Manchester United have yet to officially confirm the diagnosis, reports suggest he suffered cruciate ligament damage that could keep him sidelined for the remainder of 2026.

The injury has also ended any immediate prospect of Ugarte leaving Old Trafford, forcing United to reassess their transfer strategy.

United have already missed out on two major midfield targets this summer. Manchester City secured England international Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest in a club-record £116 million deal after he had emerged as United’s preferred option.

A week later, Tottenham Hotspur completed an £85 million move for West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, another player United had strongly pursued and believed they had a realistic chance of signing.

With those opportunities gone, attention has now shifted to Andrey Santos. The Brazilian midfielder enjoyed an impressive rise during his loan spell away from Chelsea and is regarded as one of the Premier League’s brightest young midfield talents.

Whether Chelsea would be willing to strengthen a domestic rival remains uncertain, but Santos has now emerged as one of several names under consideration as Manchester United look to solve what has become one of the club’s biggest concerns before the transfer window closes.