Man Utd’s transfer for Sander Berge slammed by former star who blasts ‘he’s not exactly a lucky charm’
FORMER Manchester United full-back Paul Parker has questioned the club’s pursuit of Burnley midfielder Sander Berge.
United boss Erik ten Hag is determined to sign a new midfielder before the transfer window closes.
Manuel Ugarte had been at the top of his wishlist, but club officials set their sights elsewhere after refusing to meet Paris Saint-Germain‘s £51.4million asking price.
Instead, they made contact with Burnley midfielder Berge.
The 26-year-old could be allowed to leave Turf Moor this summer, despite only joining Burnley a year ago from Sheffield United.
Berge is expected to cost £30m, but ex-United star Parker is not convinced he would be the right addition.
He told BonusCodeBets.co.uk: “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, as they love throwing mud at Manchester United to see how many people bite.
“But Man Utd have to be looking at bringing in at least one more midfielder because 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.”
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United midfielder Scott McTominay has been heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford this summer.
Fulham and Galatasaray are among the clubs understood to be interested, with Man Utd holding out for £25m to £30m.
Parker insists the Red Devils need midfield reinforcements regardless of whether he stays or goes.
He continued: “Well, the midfield definitely needs strengthening. Definitely.
“Whether they sell or don’t sell Scott McTominay, they still need another body in there. 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.
“The main players struggle because of the leadership of the two centre halves, and you need someone to cover.
“If you’re looking at [Bruno] Fernandes and [Kobbie] Mainoo as your 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.”
Man Utd kick off their Premier League campaign against Fulham next Friday at Old Trafford.
But before then they face Manchester City in the Community Shield.
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