Ashley Williams has showered praise on Sander Berge, the Norwegian midfielder whose decision to turn down Manchester United has proven to be a masterstroke. Berge, now a standout performer for Fulham, has been instrumental in their climb to ninth in the Premier League table, just five points shy of the top four.
United, under former manager Erik ten Hag, explored several defensive midfield options last summer, eventually signing Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain in a £50.7 million deal.
Before settling on Ugarte, the Red Devils considered Berge, who had faced two relegations with Sheffield United and Burnley. Despite skepticism surrounding Berge’s potential, the midfielder chose Fulham for £20 million, a move that has since silenced doubters.
Discussing Fulham’s 2-0 victory over Leicester, Williams lauded Berge’s ability to stabilize the midfield. Speaking on Match of the Day, he noted, “This man goes under the radar a lot. He’s the kind of midfielder every defender wants – filling gaps, making interceptions, and breaking up counter-attacks. He keeps things simple and lets the creative players shine.”
Fulham manager Marco Silva has seamlessly integrated Berge into the squad, lessening the impact of Joao Palhinha’s departure. Berge’s defensive work and composure in possession have been pivotal, allowing Fulham’s flair players like Andreas Pereira and Emile Smith Rowe to thrive.
Meanwhile, Ugarte’s journey at Manchester United has been less smooth, with the team struggling collectively this season. While early performances raised questions, Ugarte has shown signs of improvement, particularly in high-stakes games like the 2-2 draw at Liverpool.
Paul Scholes, analyzing Ugarte’s growth, remarked, “This lad is really growing in confidence. He’s defensively solid, contributes to attacks, and has surprising composure on the ball. He’s improving with every game.”
As Fulham continues to impress, Berge’s decision to join the Cottagers instead of United highlights the value of choosing the right environment to thrive. For Manchester United, Ugarte’s gradual development under Ruben Amorim offers hope for a brighter future.