United are in the market for a new midfielder and are about to face one they have been linked with in the past
Sean McCormick is a content editor across our North East and Yorkshire football clubs. He was previously a Newcastle United reporter, a trends writer covering both the Magpies and Sunderland AFC, as well as a football content editor at the Manchester Evening News. He also writes about darts and boxing. He joined us in 2016.
Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United is challenged by Sander Berge of Fulham
Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United is challenged by Sander Berge of Fulham
(Image: 2025 Getty Images)
Manchester United's transfer priority in the final 12 days of the window has never been clearer: sign a new central midfielder.
For all United's overall performance in the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal was positive, and they have spent north of £200million on a dangerous new front three of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko, their need for a new midfielder is glaringly obvious.
It is no secret Ruben Amorim wants fresh energy to play alongside captain Bruno Fernandes at the base of his midfield and it is clear, despite starting on Sunday, 33-year-old Casemiro isn't that man.
Kobbie Mainoo, who was an unused substitute against the Gunners, is out of favour and Manuel Ugarte has been underwhelming since signing from PSG last summer.
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As such, United have been linked with the likes of Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, Sporting CP star and Crystal Palace ace Adam Wharton but this weekend they will come up against a player they almost signed for the position just last summer.
United made contact with Burnley over a possible deal for Sander Berge and it is believed the former Sheffield United midfielder was keen on a move to Old Trafford. Despite the Clarets' relegation from the Premier League, Berge had impressed in his only season at Turf Moor and it was believed a £25million move could have been struck.
However, as it transpired, United signed Ugarte and their interest in Berge was ended. He made the move to Fulham for £25million instead and he was at the heart of Marco Silva's side's positive campaign last season.
Now, as United face up to a trip to Craven Cottage without their midfield issues resolved, the player they tried to sign last summer will be plotting their downfall in front of the Sky Sports cameras.
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