It’s no secret that Manchester United have taken a reserved approach to transfer dealings and negotiations throughout the summer window.
The reasoning we have been given relates to internally agreed parameters and is deemed a sensible method for moving forward now and into the future.
Whether you choose to accept this is entirely up to you. Still, as we have reported for many months, officials are determined to remedy their predecessors’ errors and believe their strategy will yield the desired results.
Nonetheless, despite satisfaction with both Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, United’s sporting team continue to work towards adding a full-back and have not ruled out another central midfielder over the coming weeks.
Michael Carrick has a strong squad with plenty of capable names. But his group is not yet complete, and depth, or a lack of it, could indeed provide the telling difference come the end of the season.
Therein lies an ongoing deliberation about where to place funds, and the profile of the player best suited to accommodating a settled dressing room.
Lewis Hall is the well-documented priority target at the back. However, with three years remaining on his current deal, and Newcastle unwilling to sell, a short-term focus has led towards the likes of Antonee Robinson.
In midfield, Mason Mount has been deemed a very good option to utilise alongside Kobbie Mainoo, Santos and Tielemans, given his technical qualities and battling engine.
But a worrying injury record could jeopardise a congested calendar. This leads to the very real possibility of a third central arrival this window, with three names retaining their allure for various reasons.
Sander Berge
Now, before we begin, there is no particular order to this list, nor am I suggesting any preference between options.
Berge has developed a reputation as Mr Reliable at the heart of both Norway and Fulham’s midfield.
His passage to Premier League football has come via a well-oiled career that has seen time accumulated in Eliteserien, Jupiler Pro League and the dogged surroundings of England’s Championship.
Today, with 132 top-tier appearances to his name, the 6’5” operator stands ever-calm ahead of his defensive line, routinely dictating the outcome of an opposition attack.
He is technical, more than assured in duels and individual battles and also competent with progressive carries and forward distribution.
We witnessed further evidence of his qualities during his country’s journey to a World Cup quarter-final defeat by England, where he starred against Senegal, Ivory Coast and Brazil.
United officials have long admired the imposing Berge and even held discussions with Burnley a little over two years to the day, while keeping tabs on the man throughout his spell at Craven Cottage.
We can confirm that the existing Ineos sporting department rates him highly, and we wouldn’t rule out a late approach in the window, as an ideal option to bolster Carrick’s rotation.
Manu Kone
For many, Kone is the obvious player that Jason Wilcox and his team should target.
Having emerged as a viable option while featuring in five of France’s World Cup fixtures, the 25-year-old offers everything from carries and progressive passing to a 71st duel success percentile against the best that Serie A has to offer.
Like Berge, the Frenchman is well-travelled and has gained experience playing in Italy, Germany and France alongside regular continental cup outings in the Europa League.
Roma are thought to be willing to part company with the midfielder’s services, and with a pricetag in the region of €50 million, there are not many better options available.
However, although Christopher Vivell was the initiator in placing Kone’s name for consideration, his colleagues are concerned about a worrying injury record.
Michael Sansoni has prioritised data and credible metrics to highlight the player’s skillset. But with 368 days missed due to 18 separate setbacks over six years, ample consideration continues to be given at Carrington.
Tyler Adams
The last name on the list, and one that is likely to generate ample pushback, is Bournemouth’s hard-working American.
Having spent endless hours chatting with colleagues in and around Manchester, the former Leipzig man is a player I have spoken about several times.
At 27, and with 80 Premier League appearances under his belt, Adams ticks so many of the required boxes for a holding option at Old Trafford.
He produces elite figures in possessions won (89th percentile), while ranking in the top 75th percentile for forward distribution with an 87% pass completion rate for the previous domestic calendar.
Furthermore, his engine is tried and tested, averaging 10.2km per outing last season. In total, his 2025-26 figures clocked in at an average of 3.8 ball recoveries, 2.1 successful tackles, 1.7 clearances and 1.3 interceptions per 90 minutes played.
But while these numbers may surprise some, his injuries offer plenty of reason for caution.
Similar to Kone, his career has been riddled with setbacks totalling 18 since 2018, including a medial ligament tear that halted an otherwise assured run at the end of last year.
Despite all of this, Adams retains plenty of supporters in Manchester, and an approach has not yet been eliminated.
Let us know your thoughts about the above or anything you’d like to add in the comments or across our social channels.
Photo by m.iacobucci.tiscali.it and newsimages via depositphotos.com.
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