Manchester United have endured a period of lull in the summer transfer window after the quick acquisitions of Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro. INEOS, spearheaded by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, have seemingly shifted their focus to strengthening the midfield unit—one of the Erik ten Hag-managed side’s biggest problems last season.
The Red Devils have made Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte their No.1 midfield target this summer. The Uruguay international is open to joining Erik ten Hag’s side having already agreed personal terms with the club in July, but Manchester United have yet to meet PSG’s valuation.
There is a sizeable gap in valuation between the two clubs which has seen a move for Ugarte stall. Having cooled their interest in the PSG enforcer, the Premier League giants have shifted their focus towards alternative midfield targets.
According to a report from Sky Sports, Manchester United are exploring a potential deal for Burnley midfielder Sander Berge. The Norway international has been identified as an alternative target to Ugarte, with the Red Devils holding initial discussions with Burnley over a move.
Sander Berge, 26, was one of the rare bright spots in an otherwise torrid campaign for the Clarets which ended up in relegation from the Premier League. He featured in all but one Premier League game, bagging a goal and two assists. The Norwegian was an important cog in the Burnley midfield under previous boss Vincent Kompany this past season, as evidenced by his league outings.
The 26-year-old, who has three years left on his contract at Turf Moor, is open to joining Manchester United. Standing at 6ft 5ins tall, Berge would bring much-needed physicality and aerial prowess to Ten Hag’s midfield. He is also a tenacious tackler and good on the ball, which could see him complement Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes in the Man United engine room.
With the central midfielder wanting to join Ten Hag’s forces, the onus is now on the 20-time English champions to quickly agree a fee with Burnley. Berge is valued at around €20m but Manchester United must look to get him for a reduced fee.
