Man Utd ‘launch transfer bid for Sander Berge’ as they look at alternatives to PSG star Manuel Ugarte
MANCHESTER UNITED have launched their first bid for Burnley midfielder Sander Berge, according to reports.
The Red Devils are continuing their search for a new midfielder as they look to re-vamp the middle of the park in a bid to improve on last season’s disappointing league campaign.
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United have been linked with a number of central midfielders including both Sander Berge and PSG’s Manuel Ugarte.
Ugarte, who was left out of the PSG squad for their Ligue 1 opener amid Man Utd’s interest, is understood to be their top target in midfield.
But with United and PSG worlds apart in their valuations for the Uruguayan, it seems that Erik ten Hag and Co are shifting their attention to Berge instead.
According to the Mail, the Old Trafford outfit have made an offer to Burnley for Berge, but are still some way off the Claret’s asking price.
It’s understood that execs at Turf Moor are holding out for a fee of around £30m for the 26-year-old.
Personal terms aren’t thought to be a problem between United and Berge with SunSport previously revealing that the Norwegian is excited at the prospect of playing for the Red Devils on a contract worth £100,000 per week.
United would be willing to fork out £20m for the Championship midfielder, but that would still fall well short of Burnley’s valuation of the Norway International.
The Mail’s report claims that Ugarte remains the club’s preferred target if PSG are willing to drop their mega £52m asking price for the star.
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The hefty fee is the same figure that the Parisians splashed on Ugarte to snatch him away from Sporting Lisbon last summer.
United have already spent big this summer, dropping over £150m on the arrivals of Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee and Noussair Mazraoui.
But there could be some exits from the Theatre of Dreams in the remainder of the transfer window with rumours continuing to swirl around the future of academy graduate Scott McTominay.
McTominay, 27, is desperate to stay in the Premier League should he leave his boyhood club and has three Prem sides tracking him as things stand.
Fulham, Crystal Palace and Brighton are all understood to be admirers of the Scotland international and could follow through on their interest before this month’s transfer deadline.
Man Utd ratings vs Fulham as new boys shine... but Mount and Amad struggle
DEBUTANT Joshua Zirkzee was the hero for Manchester United in an evening where their new guns showed what they are all about.
The Dutchman had to remain patient for his opportunity but he took it brilliantly once he came on the pitch.
Zirkzee came on for Mason Mount on the hour mark and had been quiet up until his pivotal moment.
Ten Hag will take positives from the display and it was his astute sub which led to the winner as his side got their season off to a flyer.
Here is how SunSport’s Phil Thomas rated the Red Devils display…
Andre Onana – 6
Made an outstanding early tip over from Kenny Tete and was rarely seriously troubled beyond that.
Noussair Mazraoui – 7
A pretty impressive debut from the Moroccan. Looks assured on the ball, gets forward in support and can put a foot in.
Harry Maguire – 7
Dominant and commanding in defence, but embarrassingly booked for diving at the other end. Really Harry, even you?
Lisandro Martinez – 6
Skinned by Adama Traore early. Showed all his defensive guile in how he handled him after that, and got back superbly to deny a breakaway goal.
Diogo Dalot – 6
Had his hands full dealing with Traore’s pace, but knocked in a couple of wicked curling crosses at the other end.
Casemiro – 7
Headed over then shot over, but two great passes put Fernandes clean through. Often looked United’s most likely source of a goal.
Kobbie Mainoo – 8
So crisp, so tidy, so rarely wastes a pass. Another near-flawless, if not exactly flair-packed, display from the youngster. Fizzed a shot just wide, too.
Mason Mount – 5
So desperate to do well, which earned him an early booking. Only Leno’s legs denied him the goal his effort deserved.
Amad Diallo – 5
Made one marvellous mazy run into the box, although the tumble to ground that followed wasn’t so impressive.
Marcus Rashford – 6
Still nowhere near the star of two years ago, but another step in the right direction at least. Some way to get yet, though.
Bruno Fernandes – 7
Fluffed two great chances, driving at keeper Leno’s legs twice when Casemiro put him through, but sprayed passes around and started the move for the winner.
Subs
Alejandro Garnacho (for Diallo, 60mins) – 6
Put a spark in United when he came off the bench and teed up the winner.
Joshua Zirkzee (for Mount, 60 mins) – 7
The debut he dreamed of. Barely had a touch, but then fed the ball wide and stuck out his left foot to jab the winner.
Matthijs de Ligt – (for Mazraoui, 81 mins) – 5
Was only on for the last ten minutes and looked solid although he did not have too much to do
Jonny Evans (for Maguire, 81 mins) – 5
Scott McTominay (for Mainoo, 84 mins) – 5