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Fulham star opens up on failed Manchester United transfer

Originally posted on We All Follow United
By Rohit Sarkar | Last updated Jun 7, 2025 7:57 PM ET

Sander Berger offers insight into his potential Manchester United transfer

For years, Sander Berge’s name surfaced in transfer rumours every time the window opened. The Norwegian midfielder, now a key figure at Fulham, has come a long way, from a highly rated youngster in Belgium to a dependable presence in the Premier League, first with Sheffield United and then Burnley. Now settled in a more stable environment at Craven Cottage, Berge has broken his silence about what could have been a major turning point in his career. At 27, with greater perspective and maturity, he has finally revealed how close he came to joining one of English football’s biggest clubs.

In an interview with TV2, Berge admitted that his agent held talks with Manchester United before his eventual move to Fulham. He revealed that the discussions took place while he was still at Burnley, although they remained largely outside his immediate involvement. He was aware of the interest, but chose to focus on his training and performances, leaving the negotiations in his agent’s hands.

When Fulham presented a concrete offer, Berge felt it aligned more closely with his professional goals and personal values. After several summers marked by transfer uncertainty, the Norwegian expressed relief at having finally found clarity and peace, both on and off the pitch.

“I’ve entered eight or nine summer windows with uncertainty. From the end of the season until the transfer window closes, you live in no man’s land. It feels comfortable to know that you have landed where you thrive and develop. As a family, we are doing well there. It’s a bit crazy, but I was at Burnley training and the days went by as usual – even though things were happening behind the scenes. There were talks (with United), but not directly with me. My agent is the one who has that dialogue. But when Fulham came on the field, it became clear to me that it was like that was the right thing to do.”

Now, with a five-year contract in place and a solid season behind him, featuring 36 appearances under Marco Silva—it’s easy to wonder why Manchester United didn’t take a firmer step for Sander Berge. Yet, in hindsight, perhaps the Old Trafford hierarchy made the right call. Berge is a reliable presence, strong in duels and intelligent with the ball, but he’s not the kind of midfielder who changes games on his own. At that point, Erik ten Hag was searching for more dynamic, vertical profiles, as evidenced by the signing of Mason Mount. United were not in a position to take mid-tier risks, they needed guarantees, not question marks.

Conversely, Fulham provided the perfect environment. A stable, mid-table side with ambition, where Berge could grow without the overwhelming pressure that comes with wearing a United shirt. At Craven Cottage, he has flourished more than during his previous stints, becoming a central figure in Silva’s system. Had United gone for him, he might have ended up as a rotational option, rarely starting, lacking rhythm, and ultimately stalling in development.

In that light, the decision not to pursue him appears beneficial for all parties. Fulham secured a dependable midfielder; Berge found the consistency he long needed; and United avoided signing a player who might not have thrived in their demanding setup. Still, from a sentimental perspective, there remains a lingering question: did United miss out on the chance to build with a less glamorous, but more pragmatic, profile?

This article first appeared on We All Follow United and was syndicated with permission.

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