Football News Update: Manchester United Explore Alternatives for Midfield Reinforcement
In the latest football news, Manchester United have reportedly ‘made contact’ with Burnley’s center-midfielder Sander Berge as they consider alternatives to their initial target, PSG’s Manuel Ugarte.
After already signing Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee for a combined fee of around £90m this summer, Manchester United are now focused on strengthening other areas of their squad. While co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the club’s recruitment team remain in talks over signing Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, they are also actively pursuing a new central midfielder.
Initially, PSG’s Ugarte was identified as United’s primary target, but the Ligue 1 giants’ refusal to lower their asking price has prompted the Red Devils to explore other options.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Manchester United’s highest verbal offer for Ugarte was around €35m, while PSG have maintained their €60m valuation.
As an alternative, a report from The Athletic claims that Manchester United have set their sights on Burnley’s Sander Berge. The 26-year-old Norway international, who previously impressed at Sheffield United, joined Burnley last summer for around £12m following the club’s relegation from the Premier League. The Athletic states that United have already ‘made contact’ with Berge’s camp, and Burnley are ‘prepared to sell’ the midfielder.
In addition to Berge, Manchester United are also reportedly considering other midfield options, including João Gomes and Andre, the latter of whom is available for under €35m.
The report from The Athletic also provided an update on United’s pursuit of De Ligt and Mazraoui from Bayern Munich. The club has seen a joint bid for the two players rejected, but they are expected to return with a new offer as Bayern have made both players available at the start of the summer.
Furthermore, the injuries to Leny Yoro and Rasmus Hojlund have become clearer, with Yoro expected to miss three months due to a metatarsal fracture and Hojlund set to be out for six weeks with a hamstring issue.
Meanwhile, West Ham United are continuing their talks with Manchester United over a potential transfer for Aaron Wan-Bissaka, although a fee has yet to be agreed.
Football fans will be closely following these developments as Manchester United aim to strengthen their squad ahead of the upcoming season, which will include competitions such as the Euro 2024, Champions League, FIFA World Cup, Women’s World Cup, Africa Cup of Nations, Premier League, EFL Cup, EFL Championship, EFL One, EFL Two, and FA Cup.
🔗 Source