Manchester United have identified Burnley’s Sander Berge as an alternative target to Manuel Ugarte
According to a report from Football Transfers, Manchester United have lined up Burnley midfielder Sander Berge as an alternative target to Paris Saint-Germain star Manuel Ugarte.
The Red Devils have made Manuel Ugarte their No.1 midfield target this summer. They have already agreed personal terms with the Uruguay international, who had an ordinary debut season at Paris Saint-Germain following his move from Sporting CP last summer.
Yet, the Parisians are acting firm in their wish to recoup the €60m they paid to Sporting CP for the defensive midfielder, claiming they will not provide a discount for potential suitors. As things stand, Manchester United and PSG remain €10m apart in valuation.
It wouldn’t be wrong to think the potential signing of Joao Neves in a €70m deal from Benfica would facilitate a move for Ugarte. Yet, if a move for the PSG enforcer fails to materialise, Manchester United have a fall-back option in their sights.
The aforementioned report adds that Sander Berge is open to leaving Burnley after their relegation from the Premier League at the end of last season. The Clarets have to offload players in order to balance the books this summer upon the drop to Championship football.
Following his move from Sheffield United last summer, Berge featured in all but one Premier League game for Burnley, scoring a goal but he couldn’t help the club avoid relegation. The Norwegian’s reputation has been hit following relegations with Sheffield United and Burnley, but there is no denying his ability.
Since arriving in England from Belgian club Genk in 2020, the defensive midfielder, who earns £40,000 per week at Turf Moor, has made close to 150 appearances. That is quite a decent amount of experience the 26-year-old has gained in four years in English football. It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that Berge has now adapted well to the fast-paced and physical nature of the Premier League and can make a big impact for Erik ten Hag’s club.
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Ugarte and Berge are different kinds of defensive midfielders with the latter more elegant on the ball. There is no denying both are quality players and would enhance Man United’s midfield setup, complementing Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes, but if the club fails to agree on a deal with PSG for Ugarte, Berge offers a solid backup plan.
At 26, the Norway international would want to spend his best years competing for trophies in a big club and Man United would be ideal for him.
