Under INEOS, Manchester United have been proactive in transfer dealings. They have already wrapped up two signings and remain in the hunt for more to help build a strong squad for Erik ten Hag to compete on all fronts in the upcoming season.
After reinforcing the defense and attack, the Red Devils are now keen on addressing the shortcomings in the midfield unit. Paris Saint-Germain star Manuel Ugarte has been Manchester United’s primary midfield target this summer.
Paris Saint-Germain are on the cusp of signing highly-rated talent Joao Neves from Benfica for an initial fee of €60 million plus €10m add-ons. Renato Sanches will move to Benfica on a one-year loan, with the Parisians expected to cover his wages.
This transfer activity at Parc des Princes could smoothen Ugarte’s departure, although Man United and PSG remain €10m apart in valuation. However, according to a recent report from Football Transfers, Manchester United have identified Burnley midfielder Sander Berge as an alternative target to Ugarte.
Sander Berge, 26, joined Burnley from Sheffield United last summer. He made 37 Premier League appearances for Burnley, scoring a goal. However, following the Clarets’ relegation from the Premier League at the end of this past season, the Norway international wants to leave the club after just a year. Burnley also want to sell some players in order to balance their accounts this summer.
According to reliable journalist Duncan Castles, speaking on The Transfers Podcast, the Red Devils could go for Berge if they fail to agree deal for Ugarte.
“Another individual who I don’t think has been mentioned at all in other reports as a candidate for Manchester United but I am told they are discussing as an option if the Ugarte deal doesn’t go through is Norway international Sander Berge,” Castles said.
“He is 26 years of age. He will almost certainly leave Burnley this summer having only joined last year, he doesn’t want to play in the Championship again. It’s an interesting option, a different style to Ugarte, taller and more elegant in the midfield.”
“Other clubs are interested in Berge including two Champions League qualifiers, one in Spain and one in Italy. So I think he’s an individual to pay attention to, a surprise option for United, but one they could go for if they can’t get a resolution on a fee with PSG.”
The Ugarte saga has been going on for more than a month now, and with no resolution yet, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Man United ended up signing Berge. The Norwegian’s composure on the ball, strength, aerial ability, and engine, as well as Premier League experience, would make him a good fit in Erik ten Hag’s system at Old Trafford.
