Andrey Santos: How Man Utd's midfielder fits Carrick's system with 'bite and composure'

Andrey Santos was quick to show his qualities in Manchester United's preseason clash with Wrexham as he showed bite in the tackle and slick passing.

The manager said it was more about building up fitness and competitiveness at this stage as United went down 1-0 to Wrexham.

Sam Smith scored the only goal with an easy finish six minutes before half-time with Carrick fielding a completely different team in the second half.

United were also without the players who have featured at the World Cup, including their new signing Youri Tielemans, as well as Benjamin Sesko, but Carrick still put out a strong starting XI in front of 20,000 spectators.

Afterwards Carrick said: "We've been a week or 10 days, it was just about getting through and looking for some positives, some good things, knowing that it wasn't going to be perfect and that's only natural for the first one.

"Most important was that everyone came through in good shape with no injuries so we can move on and take the next step into the next game.

"There were loads of little positive, he (Santos) and Mason (Mount) did some really good things, they connected well."

On the overall team performance, Carrick said there was a lack of sharpness in attack.

"At the top end of the pitch those sharp little movements, bright moments come as you progress through training," he said. "I thought there were good signs from Andrey getting into the feel and rhythm."

Supporters were given their first opportunity to assess new signing Santos during the opening pre-season friendly against Wrexham in Helsinki.

Although it was only a 45-minute appearance there were encouraging signs that Santos could become a key figure in United's midfield.

Santos appears a logical replacement for Casemiro offering greater athleticism and the question is how does he compare on the ball.

The early signs have been very positive, as he combined well with Mount. Operating on the left side of a midfield two, Santos was regularly the deeper in possession.

Rather than pushing forward, he dropped between the centre-backs to collect the ball and dictate play, a role previously occupied by Casemiro.

It is a position that needs discipline and Santos looked comfortable receiving possession under pressure as well as willingness to take responsibility by making himself available throughout the build-up.

His strength and pace were also notable as on one occasion he reacted quickly to danger by sprinting across to block a dangerous cross from striker Sam Smith.

And moving forward Santos showed sharp passing, able to move the ball quickly, often in tight spaces, suggesting he could be a useful partner for Kobbie Mainoo.

While on several occasions he anticipated a pass, stepped in to make an important interception and quickly regained possession for his side.

Notable too was that he had aggression, similar to Casemiro, and what will be needed week-in-week-out in the Premier League.