Manchester United’s interest in “outstanding” midfielder “isn’t surprising”, says manager

Manchester United’s interest in one “outstanding” midfielder this summer is not surprising, according to a Premier League legend and manager.

The Reds are attempting to strengthen the engine room in Erik ten Hag’s squad before the transfer window closes at the end of this month.

Manuel Ugarte of Paris Saint-Germain seemed to be the priority option but the French club are not budging from their £51 million valuation. United have moved away from a deal for the 23-year-old.

Now, various other options are being looked at, including the rouge option of Burnley midfielder Sander Berge.

Previously linked with an Old Trafford move under Ole Gunnar Solskjær, Berge is now a potential signing for the Reds for around £20 million this summer.

Despite some being underwhelmed with these links, Berge was the player of the season for Vincent Kompany’s Burnley last season, and the former Manchester City captain labelled the Norweigan as “outstanding” before his eventual move to Bayern Munich.

“He is one of the players that has looked recently as a leader for our team,” Kompany said last season. “He will be massively important for us again on Saturday and in the games ahead.

“I think his progress throughout the start of the season has really lined up with how the team has progressed. I just want to see them [the players] pick up the points just to confirm they’re on the right track.

“Sander obviously had a year of Premier League experience already, and he’s an international. He’s shown he can play at this level.

“His performance at Arsenal was outstanding, against Crystal Palace and West Ham…but the progress of the team is lined up with his progress as well, which is completely normal. That’s why you go into the transfer window, to hopefully make the team better.”

The former Burnley manager also suggested after the 26-year-old received the Player of the Year award for The Clarets that it would not surprise him if there was interest in him in the coming months.

“I haven’t thought about it, to be honest,” he admitted. “I want him to get better and improve again to help Burnley. That’s my role as a coach. Everything else is afterwards.

“Good players always attract interest, so it wouldn’t surprise me.”

While Kompany might not have expected those at Old Trafford to make a move, it could end up being a sensible signing, although it certainly won’t inspire many.

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