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Steve Cooper’s 2023 Nottingham Forest decision now suddenly looks justified after £48m man struggles

Nottingham Forest have a lot to thank Steve Cooper for, and now, one of his controversial decisions from the 2023/24 campaign looks to have come…

By Lee Clarke · Nottingham Forest News

Published: Thursday, 22 October 2026 at 10:20 AM

Key Things to Know

Lee Clarke argues Steve Cooper was justified in overlooking Andrey Santos during his 2023 Nottingham Forest loan spell.
Santos joined Manchester United in a £48 million summer transfer after failing to establish himself at Chelsea.
The midfielder made just two appearances for Nottingham Forest before Chelsea recalled him in January 2024.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Lee Clarke argues that former Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper's controversial 2023 decision to overlook Andrey Santos now appears justified. Santos made a £48 million transfer to Manchester United in the summer after struggling for opportunities at Chelsea, but his move to Old Trafford has reportedly become a difficult spell marked by poor form.

During his 2023 loan spell at Forest from Chelsea, Santos made just two appearances before being recalled in January, with Cooper favoring Ryan Yates and Cheikhou Kouyaté. Clarke highlights Santos's recent struggles, including being substituted at halftime during Manchester United's 4-1 loss against Como.

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