Sander Berge ticks one important box for Man Utd, he helps Ten Hag’s biggest problem 

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Manchester United are entering the season with a dose of injury concerns and a squad very similar to last season’s.

The big Ineos overhaul has not quite happened yet. And the position that needs it most is in midfield.

United have so far been unable to shift Casemiro, Christian Eriksen or Scott McTominay currently on course to stay at Old Trafford.

This has meant big money signings at the position look less likely, with Burnley midfielder Sander Berge emerging as a cheaper, but perhaps still astute option.

• READ MORE: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2024/25

Sander Berge meets key objective

Sander Berge will not take much convincing to swap relegated Burnley for a dream move to Manchester United.

The Athletic report Manchester United like Sander Berge’s style of play, his confidence in possession and the amount of ground he covers in midfield.

There is another very key issue in play, where Sander Berge ticks all the boxes, and that’s in terms of his fitness.

Last season Sander Berge made 37 appearances out of a possible 38 in the Premier League. That’s more appearances than Bruno Fernandes made in the league for Manchester United last season, 35.

No Manchester United midfielder made more appearances in the Premier League than Berge did in 2023/24,

34 of Berge’s 37 appearances came as starts. He made three further appearances in cup competitions, taking his total to 40.

The previous season in 2022/23, while playing for Sheffield United, Berge also made another 34 league starts, plus three more substitute showings. He played 43 games in all competitions.

So over the past two seasons combined, Berge has amassed 68 Premier League starts, and 83 total appearances in all competitions.

This is not a player who struggles for injuries and fitness, and this makes him even more attractive for Erik ten Hag’s fitness-hit side.

Manchester United midfielder game time in 23/24

Midfield was one of the many areas where Manchester United’s squad was hit by injuries during the 2023/24 season.

Below is a breakdown of the game time in the Premier League last season and how Sander Berge compares.

Aside from Fernandes, only Scott McTominay came close, and of his 32 appearances, only 18 were starts.