Manchester United are reportedly considering new options as part of their midfield rebuild, having missed out on a number of their primary targets to fix Michael Carrick’s engine room – with Fulham enforcer Sander Berge and Real Madrid maestro Eduardo Camavinga both under consideration.
The Case for Camavinga
Despite a disappointing campaign which saw him miss out on a place in France’s World Cup squad, Camavinga remains one of the most well-rounded midfielders in Europe, having been signed by Real Madrid as an 18-year-old in 2021.
Eduardo Camavinga Stats: 2025/26 Season
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards | Red Cards | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Liga | 29 | 1 | - | 2 | - | 1,526' |
| Champions League | 11 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 479' |
| Supercopa | 2 | - | - | - | - | 169' |
| Copa del Rey | 1 | - | - | - | - | 25' |
| Total | 43 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 2,199' |
Still only 23, the former Rennes star seems as if he has been around much longer than his age suggests, having made his debut for the Ligue 1 side at just 16. An impressive start to life at the Santiago Bernabeu saw him win the Champions League in his debut season, which he then followed up with another two years later.
However, the Frenchman suffered a serious downturn in form last year, with both Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa – appointed as caretaker after Alonso was sacked in January – preferring other options in midfield. With Jose Mourinho having returned to the Spanish capital, 13 years after his first spell, Los Blancos are understood to be open to Camavinga’s departure to fund the pursuit of targets such as Manchester City maestro Rodri.
A report relayed by The Peoples Person revealed Manchester United, who tried to sign Camavinga in 2021, have made contact with their counterparts in Madrid to discuss the midfielder as an option, as well as Aurelien Tchouameni.
The Guardian confirms United’s interest, with Real Madrid willing to “listen to offers” as low as £42 million for the 23-year-old. However, Camavinga is “believed to favour staying” at the Bernabeu this summer, even if Madrid may look to force his exit.
Berge the Brute
Sander Berge, 28, is another option climbing the ranks at Old Trafford after a superb showing at the World Cup for Norway. The 6’5″ Fulham enforcer has a wealth of experience in English football and possesses the type of imposing frame that Carrick needs to anchor Manchester United’s midfield.
The Guardian states Berge has “previously been on United’s radar”, with the Norwegian having been a target in 2024 before he sealed a switch to west London following Burnley’s relegation.
Fulham paid £25 million that summer, and the Cottagers would expect around £40m to part ways with their No.16, the report reveals. Unlike Camavinga, Berge would almost certainly jump at the opportunity to swap Craven Cottage for Old Trafford – a desire INEOS have prioritised in new signings.
Elsewhere, the Guardian claims AFC Bournemouth maestro Alex Scott and Manu Kone of AS Roma are also on United’s list of targets, with the club having been beaten to the punch for Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes by Premier League rivals last month.
Final Thoughts
Despite Real Madrid’s willingness to sell Camavinga at an excellent price, Manchester United’s hierarchy will have little interest in striking a deal if this interest is not reciprocated by the player himself. And even with the Frenchman’s outstanding skillset, it is not obvious he is the type of midfielder needed to complement a unit containing Kobbie Mainoo and newcomers Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos.
Conversely, Berge fits the bill as a defensive juggernaut with the size and strength to marshal midfield, providing his more cultured partners the platform to thrive. There remain question marks over his ability on the ball, though his technique was on full display at the World Cup when Norway dumped out Brazil, and – perhaps more crucially – his age. Having already spent £35 million on one 29-year-old, INEOS may not want to invest another £40m fee on a midfielder who will be the same age in February.
Featured image Dean Mouhtaropoulos via Getty Images
The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
