Manchester United are reportedly intensifying their pursuit of Fulham midfielder Sander Berge as they continue to reshape their midfield options ahead of the new season. According to reports in The Evening Standard, the club are ‘considering a swoop’ for the Norwegian international, viewing him as a potentially attainable and cost-effective solution to bolster their squad.
This interest comes after a summer that has already seen United bring in Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, though the club initially prioritized Manuel Ugarte before his injury. Following the departure of Casemiro, manager Erik ten Hag is aiming to add at least one further defensive-minded midfielder, with Berge emerging as a ‘serious’ option according to sources. Previous links to players like Manu Kone and Carlos Baleba have seemingly cooled, with Berge considered a more realistic target than the former and a more consistent performer than the latter.
Berge, 26, joined Fulham in January 2023 from Sheffield United, where he had established himself as a key player in the Premier League. He has made 35 appearances for Fulham, demonstrating his physicality and ability to contribute both defensively and in possession. Prior to his move to England, Berge spent time in the Belgian Pro League with Genk, further developing his technical skills and tactical awareness.
The report suggests United are ‘confident’ of securing Berge’s signature for a fee of around £40 million. This valuation makes him an attractive alternative to more expensive targets, allowing the club to allocate resources to other areas of the squad. Former United assistant manager Rene Meulensteen recently highlighted the need for diversity in midfield recruitment, suggesting players like Adam Wharton could also be considered, but Berge’s profile appears to align with the immediate requirements of the team. The addition of Berge would provide further competition and depth in a crucial area of the pitch, potentially solidifying United’s midfield for the challenges ahead.
