Manchester United shift transfer focus to Sander Berge as Baleba and Alex Scott targets fade

Manchester United have ended their pursuit of two Premier League midfielders as the club’s INEOS-led recruitment team concentrate on a deal for Burnley’s Sander Berge, according to reports.

The Old Trafford hierarchy are understood to have dropped their interest in Brighton’s Carlos Baleba and Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, both of whom had been monitored extensively over the past two windows. The decision marks a notable pivot in United’s summer rebuild strategy.

Context: Why United have changed direction

Baleba, 21, impressed after joining Brighton in 2023 from Lille, showing composure in deep midfield. Scott, 20, moved to Bournemouth from Bristol City in the same window and demonstrated versatility across central and attacking midfield roles. However, with INEOS now overseeing transfer operations, the club’s scouting department has reportedly reassessed targets based on value and tactical fit.

Sander Berge, 27, is a more experienced option. The Norway international has two years left on his Burnley contract after the Clarets’ relegation to the Championship. Burnley are likely to demand a fee in the region of £20-25 million, significantly lower than the valuations for Baleba or Scott.

United’s midfield has been an area of concern following a disappointing 2024/25 campaign. Casemiro’s form dipped, Christian Eriksen’s contract expires in 2025, and Scott McTominay has been linked with a move away. Adding a ball-playing, defensively solid midfielder has become a priority for manager Erik ten Hag.

Impact on Manchester United’s midfield rebuild

Berge offers Premier League experience and a strong physical presence — standing at 1.96m — which could add defensive solidity. He averaged 2.1 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per 90 minutes in the 2023/24 season, ranking among the top midfielders in defensive duels won. Off the ball, his ability to break up play and distribute quickly aligns with Ten Hag’s preference for transitional football.

However, Berge is less progressive in possession compared to Baleba or Scott. His passing accuracy of 84% is decent but his forward pass rate (6.2 per 90) is lower than Scott’s (8.1). United may need to pair him with a more creative number eight if they pursue this deal.

For FPL managers, Berge’s potential arrival would not offer immediate fantasy value. He scored one goal and provided one assist last season in the Premier League. Even as a regular starter, his output is unlikely to rival midfielders like Bruno Fernandes or Mason Mount. United’s upcoming fixtures include matches against newly-promoted sides and mid-table teams, but attacking returns from a deep-lying midfielder remain unpredictable.

Transfer market implications and rival interest

Burnley will be reluctant to lose a key asset, but with no Premier League football next season, selling Berge could help balance their books. The fee United are reportedly willing to pay is lower than what Brighton and Bournemouth would demand for Baleba (£35m+) and Scott (£30m+). This pragmatic approach echoes INEOS’s cost-control ethos seen at Nice.

The shift also signals that United may allocate saved funds to other positions, such as a centre-back or striker. With Tottenham reportedly interested in Scott and Liverpool monitoring Baleba, United’s withdrawal could reshape the market for these players.

What’s next for Manchester United

Talks with Burnley are expected to intensify in the coming weeks. If a fee is agreed, Berge could become the first midfield signing of the INEOS era. For United, securing a deal early in June would provide clarity for Ten Hag’s pre-season plans and allow the squad to integrate the new arrival before the Community Shield. The club’s fans will hope this focused approach ends years of chaotic recruitment.

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