Manchester United midfielder Andrey Santos has been asked about Mauricio Pochettino’s potential arrival at Old Trafford. He wasn’t giving much away.
Speaking from Brazil’s training camp in Singapore, the 22-year-old avoided offering an opinion on the Argentine’s possible appointment.
The question came amid mounting uncertainty over Michael Carrick’s future. That uncertainty has since disappeared, with United confirming the manager’s dismissal on Thursday.
Andrey Santos keeps quiet on Pochettino – But opens up about United pressure
Brazilian outlet UOL Esporte covered Santos’ press conference on Thursday, including a question about the managerial situation at his club.
The midfielder made it clear that he wasn’t following developments closely enough to comment.
“On Pochettino, it’s hard to say because I don’t know what’s happening. My focus is only here. I’m focused on doing my job, playing well and performing well.”
There was considerably more to say when the conversation turned to the pressure around both United and the Brazil national team.
“First of all, of course I really like pressure. As you know, I think if you want to achieve something and work hard, you have to live with pressure. I have a lot of pressure there [at Manchester United], and I have a lot of pressure here too.”
He might like it, but it was Carrick who has now paid the price. And as we covered yesterday, Pochettino apparently has reached an agreement with United, although his appointment has yet to be officially announced.
There is an interesting Chelsea connection here, too. Santos joined United from Stamford Bridge in July, while Pochettino managed the London club during the 2023/24 season.
However, the Brazilian spent that period out on loan, so the two haven’t previously worked together at Chelsea.
United performances key to Santos’ Brazil ambitions
The managerial situation wasn’t the only subject discussed during Thursday’s press conference. Santos also reflected on missing out on Brazil’s final squad for the 2026 World Cup, despite featuring during the build-up to the tournament.
“I was part of the process for the last World Cup. I received quite a few call-ups. Of course, I wanted to be in the final squad, at the World Cup, but the manager chose another player.”
“I’m fully aware of that and I respect it. He knows what he’s doing. That’s in the past now.”
The United midfielder has since returned to Carlo Ancelotti’s plans and is already looking towards 2030.
“Of course, I really wanted to play in a World Cup. It has always been my dream, my objective. I couldn’t be there in 2026, but now I have to work hard at my club to keep being here and think about the 2030 World Cup.”
He also discussed his flexibility in midfield, saying he feels comfortable playing as a defensive midfielder or further forward.
“Wherever the manager needs me, I’ll always do my best.”
With a new manager apparently on the way, he could soon have another opportunity to establish himself at Old Trafford.
Pochettino’s arrival would bring another change of direction for United. Whether that benefits the Brazilian is something his performances will have to answer.
