Manchester United have set their sights on Fulham’s Sander Berge as the summer transfer window heats up, with the 28-year-old Norwegian midfielder emerging as a prime candidate to reinforce the Red Devils’ midfield. The club’s intent is clear: rebuild and revamp a midfield in flux, with new head coach Michael Carrick determined to shape a squad ready for both Premier League and Champions League challenges in the 2026-27 season.
Berge, currently representing Norway at the 2026 World Cup in North America, has become the subject of intense scrutiny from United’s recruitment team. According to The Athletic, United are “running the rule over” Berge, viewing him as a Premier League-proven option who could step in as a replacement for Manuel Ugarte, should the Uruguayan depart Old Trafford this summer. The club’s midfield overhaul is well underway, with a deal to sign Ederson from Atalanta already secured and talks progressing for West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes. Yet, Berge’s combination of physicality, experience, and tactical intelligence has seen him climb United’s list of targets.
It’s not the first time United have considered Berge. Back in 2024, when the 6-foot-5 midfielder left Burnley for Fulham in a £25 million deal, United reportedly weighed up a move. Since then, Berge has quietly built a reputation as one of the Premier League’s most underrated midfielders. Over 75 appearances for Fulham, he’s provided a steady presence in the engine room, contributing one assist but, perhaps more importantly, offering aerial dominance and a knack for breaking up opposition play. As Vincent Kompany, who managed Berge at Burnley, once noted: “He’s an intelligent footballer, with a great eye for a pass and the ability to run with the ball.”
Berge’s journey in English football has been anything but straightforward. After stints at Sheffield United and Burnley—both ending in relegation—he found his footing at Craven Cottage, becoming a mainstay in the Fulham side. The move has proved mutually beneficial, with Fulham enjoying stability in midfield and Berge finally showcasing his talents on a consistent Premier League stage. Now, with Fulham eager to make a profit on their initial outlay, United could secure his services for a fee that, while higher than £25 million, would still represent value compared to some of the astronomical sums quoted for other targets.
United’s midfield shake-up is being driven by necessity as much as ambition. Casemiro, the Brazilian stalwart, is set to depart Old Trafford as a free agent, leaving a void in the holding midfield role. Meanwhile, Manuel Ugarte, who arrived from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024, has struggled to make the desired impact. The club’s hierarchy is determined to avoid another season of midfield uncertainty, with Carrick—himself a former midfield maestro—keen to bring in at least two new faces, and possibly a third if Ugarte moves on.
Berge isn’t the only name on United’s radar. The club has been linked with a host of midfielders, including Mateus Fernandes, Alex Scott of Bournemouth, Carlos Baleba, Sandro Tonali, and Adam Wharton. Negotiations for Fernandes, represented by super-agent Jorge Mendes, are said to be progressing, although West Ham’s £80 million valuation remains a stumbling block. Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, valued at £60 million, is another possibility, but the Cherries are reluctant to sell, hoping to tie the Englishman down with a new contract featuring a hefty release clause.
One thing’s certain: United’s midfield will look very different come kick-off in August. The club’s pursuit of Berge signals a shift towards players with proven Premier League experience and the physical attributes to thrive in England’s top flight. It also reflects a pragmatic approach, with United unwilling to meet exorbitant demands for other targets—Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, for example, is now off the table, with Forest seeking a British record transfer fee.
For Berge, a move to Old Trafford would represent the next step in a career that has already seen him attract attention from some of Europe’s biggest clubs. Liverpool were long-time admirers, with Jurgen Klopp describing Berge as an “interesting player” during his days at Genk. In 2019, after a Champions League clash at Anfield, Berge himself admitted: “Playing at Anfield is a dream for everyone in the world, and not least for Norwegians. Liverpool are the best team [at the moment] and have the most fans. So I could certainly like to play at Anfield as often as possible.”
Despite that past admiration for Liverpool, Berge’s focus is now firmly on his World Cup campaign with Norway and the possibility of a high-profile switch to United. His performances on the global stage could further inflate his value, but Fulham are already bracing for offers, intent on turning a profit from their 2024 investment. For United, the timing could be ideal: Berge is in his prime, boasts significant Premier League experience, and, at 28, offers a blend of maturity and physicality that Carrick values highly.
United’s recruitment drive isn’t limited to the midfield. The club is also seeking reinforcements on the left wing, with Crysencio Summerville emerging as a serious candidate. The Dutchman, who joined West Ham in 2024 for £25 million, impressed last season despite the Hammers’ relegation, netting seven goals and providing five assists. His stock has risen further after a stunning goal for the Netherlands in their World Cup opener against Japan. West Ham, however, are holding out for £50 million—a hefty price, but one United may be willing to consider given their lack of natural options on the left flank.
As the transfer window progresses, United’s fans will be watching closely to see how Carrick’s new era takes shape. With Ederson already through the door, the potential arrivals of Berge and Summerville would signal a bold intent to compete on all fronts. There’s a sense of cautious optimism around Old Trafford: United have the resources, the ambition, and a clear plan. Now, it’s about execution—landing the right players at the right price.
For now, all eyes remain on Sander Berge and his World Cup exploits with Norway. Should United make their move, it could mark the beginning of a transformative summer at Old Trafford, one that sets the tone for the club’s next chapter under Michael Carrick’s stewardship.