FINALLY DONE: Fabrizio Romano drops latest Man united transfer update as deal is being confirmed,player medical schedule already as announcement will be done today
When Manchester United decided to bring Casemiro from Real Madrid a couple of seasons ago, they were well aware that they were acquiring a player who had already seen his best days. Despite this, the club didn’t hesitate to invest a substantial £70 million to secure the Brazilian’s services.
Casemiro was handed a four-year contract, with an option for a one-year extension, effectively binding him to the club until he was 35 years old. If he remained at Old Trafford for the full duration of his contract, Manchester United would be paying an average of £14 million per year. On top of that, the club offered him an eye-watering weekly salary of £450,000 to ensure his move to Manchester.
In fairness to Casemiro, his first season in a Manchester United shirt was nothing short of spectacular. However, even during that initial campaign, there were subtle signs that raised concerns about his long-term viability. Those concerns were fully realized in his second season, where his performances significantly dropped, and he appeared out of sync with the rest of the team.
It’s no surprise, then, that Manchester United has been actively seeking a replacement for Casemiro this summer. Just last week, reports emerged that the club was on the brink of signing PSG midfielder Manuel Ugarte, but it seems that negotiations have hit an unexpected obstacle.
With the Ugarte deal stalling, Manchester United has begun exploring other options, and one name that has surfaced is Sander Berge. According to TeamTalk, the club is preparing a £25 million bid to bring the Norwegian midfielder to Old Trafford.
Burnley, Berge’s current club, values the 26-year-old at around £30 million, and such an offer might just be enough to convince the Championship side to part ways with their player. Berge, who can operate as both a central and defensive midfielder, presents an intriguing option for Manchester United.
However, it’s important to note that Berge is not a young prodigy bursting with untapped potential. At 26, he is already an established player, but perhaps not the kind of youthful dynamo that Manchester United needs. The club already has 19-year-old Kobbie Mainoo in midfield, and they may not require another young talent to pair with him. While Berge has shown his quality with Burnley, the Premier League presents a different level of challenge.
The critical question for Manchester United is whether Berge can fill the void left by Casemiro. From our perspective, the answer is a clear no. On the other hand, Ugarte seems to possess the qualities needed to succeed in that role, and the club would be wise to continue their pursuit of the Uruguayan midfielder.Manchester United’s decision to sign Casemiro from Real Madrid was indeed a significant investment, both financially and strategically. The Brazilian midfielder, despite being past his prime, was seen as a critical addition to bolster the club’s midfield with his experience and winning mentality. His initial impact was undeniable, delivering a standout first season that justified the hefty £70 million transfer fee and his substantial weekly wage of £450,000.
However, as you’ve pointed out, the second season has revealed cracks in his performances, raising concerns about the long-term wisdom of such an investment. Casemiro’s form has dipped, and this has prompted Manchester United to explore alternatives to ensure their midfield remains competitive.
The pursuit of PSG’s Manuel Ugarte seemed promising, but with those negotiations encountering obstacles, the club has shifted its focus to other options, including Sander Berge from Burnley. Berge, while a solid and versatile midfielder, doesn’t seem to be the transformative figure that United might need to replace someone like Casemiro. His experience and ability are proven, but questions remain about whether he can consistently perform at the highest level required by a club like Manchester United.
In contrast, Ugarte, with his dynamic style and defensive capabilities, appears to be a better fit for the role United are trying to fill. His potential and skill set suggest that he could grow into a key player for the club, something that Berge might not offer to the same extent.
The decision for Manchester United is crucial—whether to settle for a dependable but potentially limited option in Berge or to continue pushing for a player like Ugarte, who could offer more in terms of long-term value and impact. Given the stakes and the need for quality in the heart of their midfield, it seems wise for the club to prioritize a player with the attributes and upside that Ugarte brings to the table.
