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Manchester United Eye Camavinga and Berge as Midfield Overhaul Continues

Errol MayfieldPublished 2w ago3 min readBased on 4 sources
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Manchester United Eye Camavinga and Berge as Midfield Overhaul Continues

Manchester United are weighing up moves for Real Madrid's Eduardo Camavinga and Fulham's Sander Berge, according to The Guardian, as manager Michael Carrick reshapes his midfield for the new season.

The interest comes with a compelling backstory. United have already signed two midfielders this summer: Andrey Santos arrived from Chelsea for £48m, and Youri Tielemans joined from Aston Villa for £35m. Casemiro, the Brazilian veteran who anchored United's midfield for three seasons, has left for Inter Miami. And Manuel Ugarte, another midfield option, has suffered a knee ligament injury that could sideline him for a prolonged spell. In short, Carrick needs bodies.

Camavinga is the headline name. The 23-year-old Frenchman has three years left on his Real Madrid contract and a release clause — a fixed fee that lets a buying club sign a player without negotiation — set at a staggering €1bn. But that figure is largely symbolic. Real Madrid would reportedly listen to offers in the region of €50m–€60m (£42m–£51m), partly because they are eyeing a move for Manchester City's Rodri and could use the funds and squad space.

One significant hurdle: Camavinga is believed to favour staying at the Bernabéu. He was also left out of France's World Cup squad this summer, which may have complicated his standing but does not appear to have pushed him toward the exit.

Berge is a more straightforward proposition, if a less glamorous one. The 28-year-old Norwegian has been on United's radar before. He signed for Sheffield United in 2020, moved to Burnley in 2023, and joined Fulham in 2024 — a steady climb through Premier League clubs that has made him a reliable, physically imposing presence in the centre of the pitch. He played for Norway in their 2-1 World Cup quarter-final loss to England, and Fulham would reportedly want around £40m.

United have cast a wider net too. Bournemouth's Alex Scott and Roma's Manu Koné are also on the list of possible targets, giving Carrick and the recruitment team multiple avenues depending on what deals prove feasible.

For supporters, this window already feels different. Santos and Tielemans arrived early. Casemiro's departure, confirmed when he joined Inter Miami, closed one chapter. The Ugarte injury has added urgency to the search. Camavinga would be a statement signing — a player who, at his best, glides through matches with the ball tied to his feet. Berge would be something else entirely: less flair, more grunt, the kind of midfielder who wins the ball back and gives it simple.

Whether either deal happens may depend on Real Madrid's willingness to sell and on Camavinga's own preferences. The summer window does not close for weeks yet. But the direction is clear: Carrick wants a new midfield, and he wants it built in his image.