Manchester United’s newest midfielder Andrey Santos got a welcome to the club that most players can only dream of. Not a generic club video or a social media graphic. Rafael and Fabio, the Da Silva twins, recorded a personal message for him through United’s Instagram account. And honestly, it hit all the right notes.
Rafael started it off with the kind of conviction you’d expect from a guy who still calls United the best club in the world. He told Santos he made the right call. He talked about the people, the culture, the city. Even the rain got a mention. ‘The only thing is it’s raining (often),’ Rafael said, ‘but in Rio de Janeiro it’s raining (now) as well! I saw you here, so Rio is raining as well.’ Fair point.
Fabio kept it simple but direct. He told Santos the fans are incredible. That they’re always behind you no matter what. His advice: just give everything on the pitch. ‘They’re going to be so happy,’ he said.
The Da Silva twins aren’t just any former players. They arrived at Old Trafford in 2008 and combined for 226 appearances. They played with tenacity, they loved the badge, and fans still talk about them that way. Rafael closed his message by saying he gave his all for the club and that the love is still there. He wished Santos a lot of wins and a lot of trophies. ‘Enjoy my friend, red devil forever.’
Santos joined United this summer from Chelsea. He’s 22 years old and became the club’s first signing of the window. INEOS made midfield a priority after Casemiro left at the end of last season. Casemiro had a strong year under Michael Carrick, helping United finish third, but the club decided not to give the 34-year-old a new deal. They’re looking ahead.
There was interest in Ederson but that deal fell apart late. United moved fast for Santos. He played 43 times for Chelsea last season across all competitions, scoring three goals and assisting four. Those numbers don’t jump off the page but his role in the squad was bigger than just stats.
Santos is already on the traveling squad for Saturday’s pre-season friendly against Wrexham in Helsinki. Fans will get their first look at him there. United also brought in Karl Darlow on a free transfer and picked up Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa. Neither will play this weekend though. Darlow is dealing with an injury and Tielemans is resting after the World Cup.
United has a strong recent history with Brazilian players. Matheus Cunha was outstanding last season after arriving from Wolves and remains a key piece. Santos has big shoes to fill but the Da Silva twins made it clear he’s in the right place. Now it’s up to him to make sure their message was worth sending.
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