Manchester United handed huge blow in pursuit of midfield target set to join PL club - Reports

Manchester United have suffered a setback, as midfield target Sander Berge is set to join Fulham. The London based club have agreed a deal of £20 million, plus £5 million in add-ons, according to The Athletic.

The Red Devils, who have been looking for a player to partner Kobbie Mainoo in midfield, had Berge as one of three potential options for a midfield signing. However, Fulham reached an agreement with Burnley for the 26-year-old, with his agent set to travel to London to finalise the deal.

Since the transfer window opened, Manchester United’s primary target to strengthen their midfield has been PSG’s Manuel Ugarte. However, negotiations between the clubs have stalled, as United are reluctant to meet the French club’s £51 million asking price. Another option for United is to sign Sofyan Amrabat permanently from Fiorentina.

Fulham, meanwhile, showed interest in Scott McTominay, which might have allowed United to sign Ugarte. However, with Berge’s addition, the Cottagers are unlikely to finalise a deal for the Scotsman.

Berge is expected to replace Joao Palhinha, who moved to Bayern Munich over the summer for €51 million. He will become Fulham’s fourth summer signing, joining Ryan Sessegnon, Jorge Cuenca and Emile Smith Rowe.

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Gary Neville calls for consistency from Manchester United

Manchester United made a winning start to their Premier League campaign, as they beat Fulham 1-0 at Old Trafford. Erik ten Hag’s side created several chances and, more importantly, limited Fulham to just two shots on target.

United legend Gary Neville praised his former team’s performance but believes they need to establish some consistency in terms of their style of play.

"What we were crying out for all of last season was a pattern and a style of play to develop, where you knew there was consistency,” Neville said. "I don’t think we’re ever going to see a proper Manchester United team until we see some level of consistency, shape, that repeats itself week on week.

Ten Hag, meanwhile, urged his team to be more clinical in the final third and expressed his belief that there's still more to come from this side. However, he was also pleased with the performance against the Cottagers.

"I expect more from this team, but we have a foundation we can build on. The performance is good. Over 90 minutes of course there is room for improvement- but I think, overall, the performance and execution of the gameplan," Ten Hag said (via BBC)

Manchester United next travel to the south coast to play Brighton & Hove Albion on August 24 before facing Liverpool on September 1.