One would think after what Norwegian striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer showed in terms of loyalty, professional attitude and ability to score important goals, that the bosses at Old Trafford would have a special stay on Norwegian players, but no. They didn’t take a chance on Erling Braut Haaland and didn’t take a chance when Martin Ødegaard was on a tour and introduced himself. Two players who together are worth almost 4 billion Norwegian kroner.
It is possible that they have learned and with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s assistant Michael Carrick as manager, it has probably dawned a light.
Manchester United have not had a Norwegian player in the first team since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer retired in 2007. Now that could change – with two Norwegian World Cup profiles on the radar.
For the first time in 18 years, there could be Norwegian colours at Old Trafford. United are chasing both Sander Berge and Julian Ryerson – two of Norway’s great World Cup heroes.
Sander Berge: United mean business
Sander Berge is suddenly hot as never before. The 28-year-old has had his definitive breakthrough in the Premier League this season, and delivered a number of impressive performances as Norway’s midfield anchor during the World Cup. With his combination of physicality, ball control and defensive skills, he has shown that he holds goals at the very highest level.
TEAMtalk reports that despite having impressed regularly in England, Berge has never before been given the chance at one of Europe’s top clubs. Now everything can turn around.
According to sources, Manchester United believe that the Fulham star can be brought in for less than £40 million – which they internally consider a bargain.
Read more on Sporten: Manchester United mean business – thinks £40 million is cheap for Sander Berge
Julian Ryerson: From Dortmund to Old Trafford?
But United don’t stop with Berge. They also have Julian Ryerson on their radar.
Ryerson has been one of Norway’s best players in this summer’s World Cup – despite illness and minor injuries. He performed at an impressive level in the quarter-finals against England, and many believe he could have been even better with an optimal pre-season.
United were interested in Ryerson even before the World Cup, but Norway’s historic run in the championship has made him even more relevant. The scouts from Old Trafford already know him well from his impressive performances for Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga, where he has established himself as one of the league’s most solid right-backs.
Read more on Sporten: Manchester United are chasing Norwegian World Cup star
Schjelderup and Nusa also in the picture
In addition to Berge and Ryerson, Andreas Schjelderup and Antonio Nusa are also up for discussion with the United bosses. However, both seem to be closer to Arsenal and Martin Ødegaard than Manchester United.
Norwegian players at Manchester United – through the ages
| Player | Position | Period | From | To | Matches (MUN) | Target (MUN) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ole Gunnar Solskjaer | Striker | 29.07.1996 – 28.08.2007 | Molde FK | Molde FK (retired) | 366 | 126 |
| Ronny Johnsen | Defense attorney | 10.07.1996 – 29.08.2002 | Beşiktaş JK | Aston Villa | 150 | 9 |
| Henning Berg | Defense attorney | 12.08.1997 – 08.09.2000 | Blackburn Rovers | Blackburn Rovers | 103 | 3 |
| Erik Nevland | Striker | 02.07.1997 – 15.04.1998 | Viking FK | Viking FK | 6 | 1 |
| Joshua King | Striker | – | – | – | 2 | 0 |
| Magnus Wolff Eikrem | Inside runner/striker | – | – | – | 0 | 0 |
Solskjaer – an undisputed legend
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer tops the tally with 366 appearances and 126 goals – an undisputed legend at Old Trafford. Ronny Johnsen and Henning Berg were pillars of the defence for several seasons and helped win both the Premier League and the Champions League.
Erik Nevland and Joshua King only had short stays, but have both made their mark in English football later in their careers. Magnus Wolff Eikrem was part of the academy, but never made his official first-team debut for United.
Now, two new Norwegians can be written into the history books – and this time it is not just one, but potentially two World Cup heroes who can become Red Devils.
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