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

Ándre Santos was Erik ten Hag's first major signing for Manchester United, and Ineos' first midfield acquisition in their summer rebuild of the Red Devils.

The 22-year-old Brazilian midfielder joined from Chelsea in July for £50 million and featured regularly during pre-season under Ten Hag. However, Santos has barely featured in Manchester United's starting lineup this season, making just one start in four Premier League matches.

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

Santos partnered with Youri Tielemans, also a summer arrival, as the holding midfielders before being substituted on 66 minutes.

Richards said on "The Rest Is Football" podcast that he sympathizes with Santos for failing to settle as quickly as expected.

Richards said: "A lot of players haven't settled in. Santos came in with a £50 million price tag, and everyone expected him to hit the ground running, but it doesn't seem to be happening."

Youri Tielemans, who joined from Aston Villa to Old Trafford in July, wore the Manchester United captain's armband in the lost match on Wednesday. Richards acknowledged the 29-year-old Belgian midfielder's quality but also pointed to issues with his midfield partnership with Santos.

Richards said: "Youri Tielemans is a very good player, but the movement of this team isn't at the highest level. So tactically, it's difficult for them to win the ball. Sometimes they press aggressively during play."

He added: "Once Brighton broke through their first line of defense, the whole team became a bit chaotic, and nobody knew what to do. Again, it's a confidence issue."

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