Fulham midfielder Sander Berge was a starter for Norway in their World Cup opener against Iraq following transfer links to Manchester United.
Sander Berge’s links to Manchester United resurfaced in the wake of the Norwegian’s first-ever World Cup appearance.
The former Burnley midfielder, 28, was initially linked with a move to Old Trafford during Erik ten Hag’s reign. A deal never materialised, and he has continued to establish himself in the Premier League with Fulham.
Following the recent links to Berge, United In Focus took a close look at the midfielder’s performance against Iraq at the 2026 World Cup.
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Sander Berge holds his own against Iraq
Since Berge is another player that United are now considering as an option to bolster their midfield, fans will be eager to see how he performs on the biggest international stage this summer.
This is Berge’s first World Cup after Norway failed to qualify for the 2022 edition in Qatar.
The Fulham star will be pleased with how Norway started the tournament after beating Iraq 4-1.
Berge played an important role in midfield, shielding the back four against an organised Iraq side. He covered lots of ground across the pitch and made more touches (94) than any other player on the pitch.
Norway went in at the break with a 2-1 lead thanks to a first-half brace from Man City’s Erling Haaland, who becomes the sixth player at the 2026 World Cup to have two goals to his name after playing one match.
Although Norway came away from the game with three points, as many expected, it helped that Iraq faded in the second half.
Norway made it 3-1 in the 77th minute when Leo Østigard got his name on the scoresheet, while their fourth goal was chalked down as an own goal.
Senegal awaits Norway in their second group match on Tuesday.
- ⚡️ NEWS IN BRIEF
- Sander Berge resurfaced as a potential Manchester United target in the wake of his first World Cup appearance
- Berge played a key role in midfield as Norway beat Iraq 3-1 in their opening match
- Norway take on Senegal on Tuesday
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Graham Arnold and Rene Meulensteen face uphill task to reach knockouts with Iraq
Former United coach Rene Meulensteen is the assistant manager of the Iraq national team as Graham Arnold’s right-hand man.
The result against Norway will come as a blow because it makes Iraq’s quest to reach the knockouts a lot more difficult.
On a positive note for former United academy graduate Zidane Iqbal, the 23-year-old made his World Cup debut after coming off the bench in the 59th minute.
Especially when Iraq’s two remaining group matches are against France and Senegal, which is also the reason Norway were desperate to get a win under their belt in their first game.
Meulensteen has extensive coaching experience after working with Sir Alex Ferguson for 11 years, but this isn’t his first World Cup tournament.
The 62-year-old was Arnold’s assistant with the Australia national team at the 2022 World Cup.
It was a successful tournament for Australia after beating Tunisia and Denmark in the group stages to reach the Round of 16.
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