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Andrey Santos has said he believes he can replace Casemiro at Manchester United after arriving from Chelsea in a transfer that could rise to £50 million.

United’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, described the Brazilian as a ‘box-to-box midfielder’, but Santos has operated in a deeper position across the club’s last four pre-season friendlies.

Manchester United have also brought in Youri Tielemans, but they are still in the market for a third midfielder after Casemiro’s exit and Manuel Ugarte’s long-term injury.

Santos is convinced he can take over from Casemiro and become the club’s new number six.

Speaking to reporters after United’s 1-1 draw with Paris Saint-Germain, he said: “I prefer playing deep like a number six.

“I try to help my teammates without the ball and with the ball I love breaking the lines.

“Casemiro is a legend. Now he’s gone, and I’m here. I feel that I can do like Casemiro did last season.”

Earlier this summer, United pursued Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes. However, they pulled out of talks because of what they felt were excessive financial demands from those clubs.

The Red Devils appear to have taken lessons from previous errors, having stayed disciplined in the transfer market.

United paid an initial £48m, with a further £2m in add-ons, to sign Santos from Chelsea. The Brazil international has caught the eye with his displays in pre-season.

Santos had been used as a squad player at Chelsea, but he is now expected to take on a bigger role at United.

Stats from Sofascore.