Sky Sports pundit Richards discussed Santos' limited playing time at Manchester United and analyzed his midfield partnership issues with Tielemans.

Ángel Santos was Carrick's first major signing after taking charge of Manchester United and Ineos' first midfield recruit this summer as they look to rebuild the Red Devils' midfield.

The 22-year-old Brazilian midfielder joined from Chelsea in July in a £50 million deal and featured regularly during Carrick's pre-season preparations. However, Santos has made very limited first-team appearances for Manchester United this season, starting just once in four Premier League matches.

So far this season, Santos has made 5 appearances for Manchester United across all competitions, without a goal or assist. The Brazilian international was given a rare starting opportunity in Wednesday night's League Cup third-round match, which Manchester United lost to Brighton at Old Trafford.

Santos partnered with fellow summer signing Youri Tielemans in a double midfield pivot and was substituted by Mainoo in the 66th minute.

Richards stated on "The Rest Is Football" podcast that he sympathized with Santos for failing to hit the ground running as expected.

Richards said: "Many players haven't been able to play freely. Santos joined for £50 million, and everyone expected him to settle quickly, but that hasn't happened."

Tielemans, who transferred from Aston Villa to Manchester United in July, wore the captain's armband in Wednesday's losing match. Richards praised the 29-year-old Belgian midfielder but also highlighted the problems in his partnership with Santos in midfield.

Richards said: "Tielemans is a very good player, but the team's movement isn't sharp enough. Tactically, they struggle to win the ball back. Sometimes they press very high up the pitch."

He added: "Once Brighton broke through their first line of defense, the whole team became disorganized, and no one knew what they were supposed to do. Again, it's a confidence issue."

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