Manchester United were expected to be very active during this summer’s transfer window, with the need for greater squad depth clear ahead of a crucial 2026/27 campaign in both the Premier League and Champions League.

The club have addressed one of their biggest weaknesses in midfield, completing the impressive double signing of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans for a combined £85 million.

Given the inflated prices being paid for midfielders elsewhere in the Premier League, United can consider that a strong piece of business, however, many argue that a third signing in the engine room is required.

Meanwhile, the Reds could also do with reinforcements in defence; particularly at left-back. Luke Shaw is the only senior option for that position and it feels unlikely that he will be able to replicate his steady availability from last season.

There are less than two weeks remaining in the transfer window and Michael Carrick has hinted that he wants additions to be completed before the deadline.

While Santos and Tielemans are both solid signings at Old Trafford, the final pre-season defeat to AC Milan suggested that another addition is needed.

Unlike in previous years, United are not linked to many players and it feels like they are doing business away from the spotlight.

One name who has been mentioned previously - both this summer and in prior years - is Fulham midfielder Sander Berge.

United's interest in Berge dates back to when his fellow Norwegian, Ole Gunnar Soskjaer, was in charge at Old Trafford. He was also linked to the Reds a couple of years ago before his move to Fulham.

Should the Reds decide to move for Berge, it appears that it would be another cost-effective signing in the middle of the park.

According to Laurie Whitwell of The Athletic, speaking on the Talk of the Devils podcast, the Fulham star could be signed for around £40 million this summer.

A deal in that range would mean that United could have spent less than £130 million on three midfield signings this summer; however, there are doubts about whether Berge is what the Reds need.

Berge is an underrated player and United could have done worse than signing him in previous seasons, especially when you consider who came to the club instead during those windows.

However, the 28-year-old does not really suit what United need right now. After bringing in Tielemans and Santos to join Kobbie Mainoo in the midfield group, Carrick has some reliable ball-players to choose from.

But the Reds are missing an athletic ball-winner as an option; and many believe that a player like that is needed to get the best out of players like Tielemans or Mainoo.

Berge does not really offer that, even though he is a solid Premier League player, and United would be best to look elsewhere if they are to make another signing in midfield before the window slams shut.