Forget Goretzka: Man Utd should sign £25m Norwegian star to replace Ugarte, 90% pass accuracy

Manchester United are poised to reinforce their midfield department at the end of the season.

The Red Devils are eyeing a marquee defensive midfielder with Casemiro set to leave when his contract expires on June 30.

Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton and Sandro Tonali have all been linked. One of them could succeed Casemiro.

The club’s hierarchy may also pursue another midfielder to provide depth and competition for the number six position.

Manuel Ugarte has failed to meet expectations since his switch from Paris Saint-Germain, and could be offloaded this summer.

If that becomes the case, the Red Devils should invest in the services of Fulham midfielder Sande Berge.

The Norway international signed for the Cottagers from Burnley for £25 million in the summer of 2024.

He has since been a regular starter in the heart of Fulham’s midfield and has stood out with his individual displays on many occasions.

In the ongoing league season. Berge has a 90 percent passing accuracy. He has made four recoveries and almost two tackles per game.

The former Clarets star has lost possession on just 7.3 occasions per outing. His ball control and distribution are his main strengths.

Hence, he has the credentials to make the step up with United and would be a good replacement for Ugarte, who has failed to impress.

Fulham recruited Berga for £25m two years ago. A package worth £45m could be sufficient to persuade the Cottagers to sanction the Norwegian’s sale.

Berge has had three straight seasons in the English top-flight and would require little to no time to adapt to the playing style at the Red Devils.

He would be a better acquisition than Bayern Munich star Leon Goretzka, who United are seemingly interested in signing on a free transfer.

Goretzka will need to adapt to the Premier League’s higher intensity. At 31, he has no time to adjust and may struggle to make an immediate impact in a World Cup year without pre-season.

Hence, Berge would be a better signing The big question remains whether he can be convinced to accept a rotational role at United in the number six position behind the marquee signing.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .