Manchester United Should Turn Attention To Sander Berge If Ederson Deal Falls Through | OneFootball

By Dylan Mc Bennett · July 9, 2026

Manchester United’s deal for Ederson has reportedly been called into question, although club sources are adamant it is not currently in jeopardy. Ederson has to undergo the second part of his medical with United, with the first already taking place while he was in America at the World Cup. Brazil’s decision to call up Ederson to the national team made a move for the midfielder a little more difficult for Manchester United

A medical for Andrey Santos is likely to take place today after United agreed a £ 48 m + £ 2 m fee with Chelsea for the Brazilian. United have been following the former Vasco Da Gama midfielder for several months, dating back to negotiations for Alejandro Garnacho in January of last year. The Reds also met with Santos’s agents, Bertolucci Sports, in February and March.

Reports have begun to circulate that there are doubts surrounding the player’s fitness and whether he will pass a medical. Ederson does not have a long history of injuries, having previously been reliable for Atalanta, but a meniscus injury last season may be the source of the concerns.

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – MARCH 27: Sander Berge of Norway in action during the International Friendly match between Netherlands and Norway at Johan Cruijff Arena on March 27, 2026 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

TIP OF THE ICEBERG FOR UNITED

If a deal for Ederson falls through, it will prompt United to look elsewhere in the market. Tyler Adams is a reported target, with the Bournemouth midfielder likely a good fit for INEOS and their data-led approach. However, Sander Berge is also an internal option on the list, according to reports, and if United do miss out on Ederson, the Norwegian is the target they should go for.

Berge represents a stature and physicality Michael Carrick’s side currently lack. While not the most mobile in the world, Berge can still cover large distances with his long legs. His ability on the ball trumps that of Tyler Adams, and his ability to break lines is something United could use as they look to become a more dominant team in possession.

What you should read next

Manchester United Fans’ Toxic Nature A Difficult Beast for New Signings You would be forgiven for thinking that Ederson had publicly disrespected Manchester United Football Club and its fans if you searched his…

The Norway international was valued at around £25m last season, but after a strong season with Fulham and a very impressive World Cup campaign, the belief is that fee may have gone up £10m or so. Ederson has been a signing lambasted by many within the United fan base, unfortunately, but the feeling is Berge’s height, size and quality would be welcomed. The hope would be that along with Santos and Berge, United would sign a third player. A marquee midfielder, if you would.

Aurelien Tchouameni has signed a new deal at Real Madrid, or is at least very close to doing so, so interest will have to be found elsewhere. Alex Scott remains a primary target, but at £80m or above, it’s a difficult deal to do.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – JUNE 30: Manu Kone #6 of France inspects the pitch before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between France and Sweden at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 30, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)

INEOS NEED TO ACT FAST

Manu Kone is someone that shouldn’t be ruled out. Conversations are likely to have taken place between United and Tchouameni’s camp, with his agency ESN also representing Kone. It’s impossible not to think the Roma midfielder came up in conversations at some stage between the club and the agents.

Just like the signing of Santos, it’s also likely United are working on names that haven’t been mentioned within the media. Santos links came out of nowhere, and the deal was done within a week. It’s expected that the Reds moved quickly for the midfielder when it became clear Tchouameni would remain at the Bernabéu.

It’s shaping up to be an intriguing run-in for United in the transfer window, with the non-international players returning to Carrington today for pre-season and no new additions to the squad. INEOS need to act fast to avoid a disaster at Old Trafford next season.