The former Red Devils and Chelsea players concur that Man Utd's £50 million acquisition of Andrey Santos is "strange" and "a gamble."

Nicky Butt has questioned Manchester United's purported £50 million acquisition of Andrey Santos, claiming the Brazilian has not yet demonstrated that he is prepared to begin at Old Trafford. Emmanuel Petit has also called the move a risk, cautioning that the midfield player needs to regain his self-assurance if he wants to be successful.

Former stars question United's reported move

Legendary United player Butt has questioned the team's purported acquisition of Chelsea midfielder Santos. According to Sky Sports, United has reached an agreement to pay up to £50 million for the 22-year-old, but Butt thinks the sum needs to be paid right away.

Butt acknowledged that the Red Devils need to increase the depth of their roster, but he maintained that Santos wouldn't come for such a high price just to fill in. Rather, he thinks that despite the Brazilian's lack of elite level experience, he would be expected to establish himself as a regular starter.

Butt outline his concerns

Butt stated why he finds it difficult to comprehend the alleged transfer in an exclusive interview with Paddy Power. Although he emphasized the importance of signing young players, he questioned if Santos had demonstrated enough to warrant a £50 million investment and an instant spot in the starting lineup.

"If he's brought in at £25-30 million you could understand it... But he's not being signed for £50m to just be sat on the bench, he has to be a starter. I've seen him play a few times but nothing stands out that makes you go, 'wow, he's got great ability on the ball or he's a powerhouse'," Butt explained.

"It's either genius by the recruitment team and they’re saying, ‘this lad is going to be the next big thing, we'll pay the £50m quick and throw him straight in the deep end'. But by virtue of him only starting 13 games for Chelsea last year, who finished 10th, it doesn't scream out a good signing to me. I hope I'm wrong, I hope he turns out to be a great player and blows us away.

"This lad's barely played 10 games. It's a strange one, it's not one I’m jumping around going, ‘what a signing, I'm really happy with it'. We need players in midfield that make us a lot better. I really don't like having a go at young players or new signings before they go and prove themselves, but it’s one where they’re buying potential over someone that's done it."