"He’s not exactly a good luck charm" - Former Manchester United star warns Red Devils against £30 million move
Former Manchester United defender Paul Parker has urged the club to not sign midfielder Sander Berge this summer. He pointed out that United need more midfielders but Berge is not the way to go.
The Sun (via Metro) have reported that the Red Devils are interested in signing Berge after Burnley's relegation. He will cost around £30 million with three years remaining on his contract. Berge has made 40 appearances across competitions for Burnley since joining them from Sheffield United last summer.
Parker, however, is hesitant about the idea of signing the midfielder. He said that Berge has been relegated twice and Manchester United should stay away from signing him. He told BonusCodeBets.co.uk (via Metro):
"Sander Berge’s been relegated twice now. I think with Sheffield United and with Burnley. Twice on the bounce. He’s not exactly a good luck charm, is he? United don’t want to be relegated again from the Champions League spots.
"It could just be the media pushing that one… But Man Utd have to be looking at bringing in at least one more midfielder."
Parker also assessed Manchester United's midfield options and their futures, saying:
"It doesn’t seem like they’ll get any money back on Casemiro as it doesn’t appear he’s moving to the Middle East. The midfield definitely needs strengthening. Definitely. Whether they sell or don’t sell Scott McTominay, they still need another body in there."
Parker added that they need at least two more midfielders to cover for injuries, saying:
"You can’t rely on Scott McTominay. If you’re relying on someone who might score a goal but only has seven touches in a game, he isn’t going to influence the game enough if he doesn’t score.
"You need more than that, especially if Casemiro is considered finished. If you’re looking at Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo as your [only] key central midfield players, then United are struggling. They need at least two more players in there unless another young player emerges, which I’m not aware of."
Scott McTominay has been linked with a move to Fulham this summer, as per Fabrizio Romano.
Manchester United set to sign 2 Bayern Munich star: Reports
As per The Athletic journalist David Ornstein, Manchester United are set to sign Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui. The Bayern Munich duo will become their third and fourth signing this summer after defender Leny Yoro and striker Joshua Zirkzee.
The Red Devils saw Raphael Varane leave as a free agent this summer. They signed Leny Yoro from Lille for an initial fee of €62 million but are set to add Matthijs de Ligt as well. He will cost €45 million plus €5 million add-ons. The Dutchman made 73 appearances for Bayern after joining them from Juventus in 2022.
Manchester United will also sign Noussair Mazraoui for €15 million plus €5 million add-ons. The right-back made 55 appearances for the Bavarians since arriving from Ajax in 2022. He and De Ligt also played under Erik ten Hag during their time together at Ajax.