Manchester United have been linked to Burnley midfielder Sander Berge, and his future has taken a new twist.
Sander Berge was named as a Manchester United transfer target via The Athletic, with the club considering cheaper alternatives to Manuel Ugarte.
United are weighing up options, while fans hoping to see Berge in action in Burnley’s Championship opener were left disappointed.
Sander Berge was not included in Burnley’s squad – while former United loanee Wout Weghorst was involved, amid his failure to so far land a move elsewhere.
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Sander Berge missing
Burnley did not issue an explanation for Sander Berge’s absence and manager Scott Parker did not discuss the player during his pre-game press conference.
Berge did not feature at all in pre-season matches for Burnley, ahead of his omission from the squad to face fellow relegated side Luton.
It is a little unclear whether Sander Berge’s absence is purely a selection issue related to his expected departure, or if it is injury-related. If it is injury, it would be a rare one for him.
Berge did feature for Norway in two international matches during the summer, but has not played a match since.
The central midfielder does have a good injury record, with Sander Berge ticking an important box amid his reliability over the past two seasons.
Berge has made 34 starts across the past two seasons at Burnley and previously Sheffield United, and last season he featured in 37 of 38 league games.
Midfielder next for Manchester United
Manchester United have made four signings, pending the completion of deals for Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui. They join fellow defender Leny Yoro.
United have also signed forward Joshua Zirkzee, strengthening the team’s attacking options.
The one area with no changes to the squad at all is midfield, other than the expiry of Sofyan Amrabat’s loan.
United are expected to focus on addressing this during the final few weeks of the transfer window. Sander Berge is one option being considered.
His absence from the Burnley squad adds an extra curiosity to the situation.
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