Manchester United weighed up several alternatives to Manuel Ugarte, one of whom was Sander Berge.
After temporarily stepping back from the Manuel Ugarte chase, a clear negotiating strategy, Sander Berge emerged as a possible option.
And while suggestions that a man relegated twice from England’s top flight was on the radar raised plenty of eyebrows, others felt it was refreshing change seeing the Red Devils prioritise profiles over reputation.
Now, with Berge officially confirmed as a Fulham player as of Thursday morning, PSG may find themselves in a position of renewed strength in the knowledge that a Man United side desperate for midfield reinforcements suddenly have no obvious back-up plan.
The Sun reported a fortnight ago that Berge was ‘excited’ about the prospect of following in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Old Trafford footsteps. United held talks with his representatives.
Manchester United cannot sign Sander Berge now
What Berge lacks in star power, he makes up for in technical ability, physical prowess and experience.
Three attributes that endeared him to Fulham, too. And with Man United still locked in talks over Ugarte, Marco Silva’s Cottagers jumped at the chance to tie up a deal that sees Berge move to West London instead for a fee of £25 million.
By the Norway international’s admission, it has been a rather topsy turvy month.
But while others may have kept Fulham at arms’ length – preferring to wait for a Man United offer that might never have come – Berge decided that Craven Cottage was a good next step in his development before inking a five-year contract.
“It feels fantastic. It’s been a little bit back and forth the last few weeks, but I’m finally sitting here in the shirt in this beautiful stadium, knowing that my future is here, which feels great,” Berge tells the Fulham website.
“Fulham has always been a team that excited me. I’ve played them both in the Championship and Premier League, and it’s fantastic how they play.
“The DNA of the club is to be dominant, aggressive, front-footed, and play nice football. I think that suits me.”
Talks with PSG over Manuel Ugarte ongoing
Man United, at least, have avoided the prospect of coming up against Berge, at least in the first half of the campaign. Ten Hag’s side have already ticked Fulham off their fixture list, a debut goal from Joshua Zirkzee getting three early points on the board on the opening weekend.
“I’m excited to welcome Sander Berge to Fulham!” smiles Cottagers chief Tony Khan. “Sander has tremendous experience playing in the Premier League and in international competition.
We believe that he’ll be a great addition to our squad, as we look forward to our first home game of the season this weekend!”
Fulham – who’s head coach felt hard done by last time out in Manchester – host Leicester City on Saturday. Man United, meanwhile, travel to Brighton and Hove Albion.
Confidence remains that Ugarte will be wearing red before the window closes, but time is running out fast.
“(Agent Jorge) Mendes is still working, still trying to find a way between PSG and Manchester United,” Romano told his official YouTube channel last week. “Ugarte wants to go to Manchester United. He is pushing to go to Manchester United.
“He is in love with the idea of playing for Manchester United; Old Trafford, the Premier League, the opportunity to work at an important club.
“But its important to say that Manchester United need one of these conditions to make the deal happen; the price has to be reduced, or they need to complete a sale in the midfield.”
Fulham signing Berge, meanwhile, takes them out of the race for Scott McTominay.
“McTominay, Fulham did not reach the valuation,” Romano adds. “And then also interest from Napoli but Manchester United have been very clear.
“A loan is impossible.”
- READ MORE: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2024/25
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