Manchester United remain interested in signing Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain but they are also ‘doing work’ on four other midfielders, according to a new report.
Last month, Ugarte became United’s top target for midfield. A deal seemed probable after United reached an agreement on personal terms with the Uruguayan, who was highly sought-after across Europe last summer.
However, uncertainties have arisen as United is hesitant to meet PSG’s substantial £51 million asking price.
It now seems that the Premier League side is exploring other options. Burnley midfielder Sander Berge has emerged as an unexpected target, with club officials at Old Trafford reaching out to his representatives about a potential transfer.
Berge was one of Burnley’s standout players in the Premier League last season, excelling in dribbles, touches, and pressured pass accuracy.
The shift away from pursuing Ugarte seems to be part of a new transfer strategy introduced by minority co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Under this approach, United is setting fixed valuations for their targets and is determined not to exceed them.
In line with United’s transfer strategy this summer, they are exploring several other midfield options, according to Sky Sports. Burnley’s Sander Berge is being considered alongside Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana and Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, who impressed for Spain in this summer’s European Championship. Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat is also a player of interest.
Amrabat, who joined United on a season-long loan last summer, faced challenges securing a regular starting position, making 15 starts out of 30 appearances.
However, he settled in towards the end of the season and delivered a strong performance in the FA Cup final against Manchester City.
United paid £8.5 million for Amrabat’s loan, with an option to buy him for £21.4 million, but no final decision has been made about his future.
According to Fiorentina sporting director Daniele Prade, Amrabat wishes to remain in the Premier League.
“I would prefer to keep him in Florence, but it doesn’t seem like that’s what he wants,” he said in June. “I believe he wants to stay in the Premier League, but we haven’t received any updates from anyone since then.”