Manchester United and Liverpool got reacquainted this past weekend as Arne Slot’s men eased to a 3-0 win in South Carolina on Saturday.
Goals from Fabio Carvalho, Curtis Jones, and Kostas Tsimikas got the job done for the Reds in to round out their USA tour.
The Liverpool squad now returned to the AXA Training Centre for the final stage of pre-season that involves friendlies against Las Palmas and Seville before the Premier League gets underway on 17 August.
Of course, Arne Slot will want to have got some transfer business done by then – or at least close to being completed.
David Ornstein has already reported that Liverpool have identified a potential No.6 specialist to add to the squad and have earmarked the position as an area of improvement.
It seems that Manchester United are likewise looking to bolster their midfield and have already made contact with the player’s entourage.
Who are Manchester United interested in signing?
The Athletic has reported that Manchester United are courting Burnley’s Sander Berge to bolster their midfield ranks.
The club’s interest in the Norwegian international has emerged as they explore alternatives to Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte.
Berge, who stands at 6’5″, possesses a unique blend of physicality and technical skill, making him an ideal candidate for Erik ten Hag’s system, which requires a midfielder capable of covering extensive ground
Transfer journalist Laurie Whitwell writes:
“Berge, 26, has emerged as a surprise midfielder on United’s list of options and club officials have made contact with his camp.”
“The Norway international was relegated with Burnley last season but ranked highly in a series of metrics including dribbles and pressured pass accuracy.”
“He is 6ft 5in (195cm), but according to the Premier League hit a top speed of 35.90km/h, the 10th fastest of all players last campaign.”
Liverpool has previously shown interest in Sander Berge, dating back to his time at Genk. The Reds monitored his progress and even considered a move before he joined Sheffield United in January 2020.
He was also linked to the club in January 2022, when it became clear that the Reds needed midfield reinforcements.
Although the club has since moved on to other targets, the historical links indicate the high regard in which he has been held.
Nevertheless, it’s clear that Berge would not be an upgrade on any of the midfielders in Liverpool’s current squad of players.
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