- Manchester United is searching for a new midfielder along with additional full-backs.
- This comes as speculation mounts regarding Scott McTominay’s potential departure from the club.
- United was ‘unwilling’ to meet PSG’s substantial asking price for Manuel Ugarte.
Manchester United has set its sights on a new and unexpected midfield option after being ‘unwilling’ to meet Paris Saint-Germain’s substantial £51 million asking price for Uruguayan talent Manuel Ugarte.
While Erik ten Hag’s team is eager to strengthen its full-back positions, they are also looking to enhance their midfield depth due to uncertainty surrounding Scott McTominay’s future at Old Trafford.
Mail Sport has learned that Fulham is interested in acquiring the Scottish midfielder and has put forth a £23 million offer. This follows an earlier £30 million bid from West Ham for the 27-year-old last summer, with his contract running until 2025.
Additionally, United might consider parting ways with Casemiro in the transfer window, as the Brazilian has struggled to meet expectations under Ten Hag since his arrival two seasons ago.
After signing Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee this summer, Manchester United also showed interest in signing Ugarte, but their efforts appear to have diminished due to PSG’s steep price demands.
Erik ten Hag (pictured) is reportedly considering adding a new midfielder this summer.
Man United had aimed to recruit PSG’s Manuel Ugarte (pictured) but declined to meet the £51 million price.
Recent reports from Fabrizio Romano also indicated that United ‘had reached an agreement on personal terms with Ugarte’ two weeks ago. Mail Sport later mentioned that both McTominay and Casemiro could be sold to raise funds for the midfielder.
However, it appears that United will search for alternatives, with The Athletic noting that they have shown interest in Burnley’s Sander Berge.
The report further claims that club officials have ‘made contact with the 26-year-old’s representatives.’
The Athletic also states that Burnley may be open to selling Berge, who transferred to the club nearly a year ago from Sheffield United but ended up being relegated with the Clarets last season.
Interest in the midfielder might have been piqued at United after he showcased an impressive performance at Old Trafford last season, where he helped Burnley secure a 1-1 draw with a last-minute goal.
In the 2024-25 season, he made 40 appearances for the Clarets, contributing two goals and two assists across all competitions.
According to The Athletic, United is currently evaluating a potential move for Burnley’s Sander Berge (pictured).
Berge (centre) joined from Sheffield United just over a year ago and has made a strong impact at Burnley.
The Norwegian stands tall in midfield, showcasing an exceptional passing range and impressive strength.
Berge has represented Norway 46 times and is known for his physical presence in midfield.
He exhibits elite strength for ball retention and distribution to teammates, coupled with an impressive passing ability that allows him to control possession and propel the ball forward.
Mason Mount has also been returning to fitness for the Red Devils after making only 20 appearances and starting eight last season due to injuries.
The 25-year-old has expressed his determination to redeem lost time this season, asserting that United has a squad capable of winning titles.
‘I definitely feel this is a fresh start,’ he said at United’s training base in Los Angeles. ‘I’m in a great position right now, and I can’t wait to get on the pitch and perform to the best of my ability. I’m looking forward to it. I feel strong, fit, and we’ll keep pushing ourselves.’
Mason Mount (right) believes his team has the potential to win trophies again during the 2024-25 season.
He further added: ‘We certainly have a squad capable of claiming trophies, and that’s of utmost importance. We’ll continue striving toward that goal because this is Manchester United, and we must set our standards as high as we can.’
‘We understand the level of expectation, and now it’s about delivering; we’re ready for the challenge. Our aim is to win as many trophies and matches as possible. That is our collective focus.’
