Manchester United have received a setback in the summer transfer window.
According to The Athletic, Fulham are set to sign Man United transfer target Sander Berge from Burnley.
The Cottagers are paying a fee worth £20 million plus £5m in potential add-ons.
If the deal goes through, Fulham will shift their focus away from Scott McTominay, having already seen two bids for him rejected by United.
With a £10m valuation gap that United expected Fulham to close, it is unlikely they will sign both Berge and McTominay this summer.
Double transfer blow for Man United
The Red Devils hoped to use proceeds from McTominay’s sale to sign Manuel Ugarte.
Paris Saint-Germain value the 23-year-old at £51m, but United want them to lower their demands.
McTominay’s sale could have given United a significant financial boost to get the deal done with PSG.
United were reportedly keen to sign Ugarte and Berge.
However, that would have been challenging considering the Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
McTominay has shown an inclination to stay at Old Trafford by not forcing his move to Fulham.
While some United fans may be disappointed, this stance highlights his commitment to the club. McTominay is not driven by financial incentives to remain at United.
He currently earns only £60,000 per week, less than Jonny Evans, Tyrell Malacia and Victor Lindelof.
Fulham would have likely handed him a substantial increase if he had forced the Red Devils to sell him.
McTominay proved his value to the team last season with 13 goal contributions.
Erik ten Hag views him as a game-changer, which is evident from his decision to bring the 27-year-old on as a substitute to break the deadlock last Friday.
A move for Ugarte is reportedly independent of McTominay’s departure.
United should sell him but only for the right offer. However, they must make a move for Ugarte, even if it means signing him on transfer deadline day.
Stats from capology.com.
