A new name has emerged as a potential midfielder target for Manchester United this summer and it may come as something of a surprise to supporters.

United are in the market for two new central midfield signings this summer, with Ederson the first man through the door in a £38million move from Atalanta, although it is yet to be confirmed. And the Red Devils have been linked with lots of other names when it comes to their second signing.

Mateus Fernandes is the one most heavily tipped to make the move, although with West Ham still demanding £80million despite their relegation to the Championship, United may be put off.

Premier League experience could be key for Manchester United

Carlos Baleba, Aurelien Tchouameni and Sandro Tonali are also still in the mix, but United could make a move to sign Sander Berge from Fulham instead.

The 28-year-old would certainly be a cheaper option than the names mentioned above, but is that what United are after?

Berge was almost an ever-present for the Whites last season, starting 34 of the club’s 38 Premier League matches and was called up to Norway’s squad for the 2026 World Cup as a result, with their first game taking place against Iraq on Tuesday night. He has a wealth of Premier League experience under his belt and could actually be a shrewd signing.

According to the Athletic, United are “running the rule” and could make a move, with Fulham likely to “want to make a profit on the £25million they paid two years ago”.

United have actually been linked with Berge in the past. The Red Devils considered making a move in 2024 when the midfielder left Burnley to sign for Fulham and there were rumours of him coming straight to Old Trafford in the Premier League at the age of 20 in the January transfer window of 2020.

Vincent Kompany is a big fan of the Fulham star

A mystery player arrived at the club’s Carrington training ground, with rumours circulating that it was the Genk star. Berge was falsely claimed to be undergoing a medical ahead of a £20million move to help bolster United’s midfield options, but it was not the case.

Berge would actually sign for Sheffield United, spending three-and-a-half years at Bramall Lane before moving on to Burnley and then latterly Fulham.

The 28-year-old has a contract at Craven Cottage until 2029, with Fulham holding a one-year option to extend that to 20230 too, meaning they hold all the cards when it comes to negotiations over a transfer fee for the Norwegian.

Both Arsenal assistant manager Albert Stuivenberg – who was Berge’s coach at Genk – and former Burnley boss Vincent Kompany described Berge as an “intelligent” footballer and he would certainly fulfil one role in the United team, being firmly a No.6.

New audio from Ilia Topuria has surfaced after his defeat at the hands of Justin Gaethje for the lightweight title at UFC Freedom 250 on Sunday night.

The showpiece event on the White House’s South Lawn to celebrate the United States’ 250th birthday saw stoppages in all seven bouts, but none more brutal or bloody than the stoppage of the previously-dominant Georgian-Spanish champion.

The champion and challenger traded blows in the first rounds, with the Matador looking well-placed in the fight. However, in the third round, American Gaethje pulled ahead, landing heavy shots that bloodied up the face of Topuria and leaving significant swelling around both eyes.

When he entered the corner after the third, discussions about his ability to see were picked up by the broadcast, which eventually resulted in the doctor being called in to assess Topuria’s ability to proceed.

After tests, the doctor could be audibly heard saying that Topuria shouldn’t continue, but he was overruled by referee Marc Goddard and the fight continued.

Amber Searls via Imagn Images

At the end of the fourth, however, it has since emerged that cage-side microphones heard Topuria saying to his brother in Spanish “no mas”, meaning that’s enough, and to call the fight. His brother informed referee Goddard, who then waved it off.

Topuria was then helped to leave the Octagon straight after the fight without giving an interview to commentator Joe Rogan.

Ilia Topuria’s Medical Update After UFC Freedom 250

At the post-fight press conference, Dana White said that Topuria had been taken directly to hospital for treatment, adding that he suspected the fighter had suffered a broken orbital bone. However, new reports surfaced overnight revealing he suffered no broken bones and no serious injuries.

“Ilia’s in the hospital. He’s busted up. I’m not a doctor, but his eye looked like he probably has a broken orbital. I don’t know that. That’s not a fact. I’m just assuming,” White said.

Amber Searls via Imagn Images

Elsewhere on the card, fan-favourite and face of the UFC Alex “Poatan” Pereira was knocked out by France’s Ciryl Gane in the second round of the co-main event for the interim heavyweight title.

The Brazilian came up short in his bid to become the first three-division champion and, therefore, putting any superfight with England’s Tom Aspinall on hold for the time being.

Iran played their first 2026 World Cup match on American soil as they shared the points in a 2-2 draw against New Zealand on Tuesday.

The ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States of America has dominated the build-up to the competition. There was a strong chance the Middle Eastern nation would be forced to withdraw from the tournament over safety concerns.

However, they have turned up and will play all three of their group matches in the US. Preparations have been disrupted as Iran have been forced to train in Mexico and commute to the States for matches. Many members of their camp have also been denied visas to enter the country.

Iran Given Clear Instructions After New Zealand Draw

Kirby Lee (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)

Following the full-time whistle, Iran players and head coach Amir Ghalenoei were critical about the way they’ve been treated, claiming travel disruptions are causing issues.

Speaking to the press after the match, Ghalenoei revealed that he and his players had been informed they must leave the country immediately, with no time allowed for recovery. Through a translator, he said:

“Our team is the most oppressed one in the whole World Cup,” the 62-year-old went on to claim. His star striker, Mehdi Taremi, added to his manager’s comments, saying: “Everything is like a disaster, actually, for us.”

An Iranian official told The Athletic that it was FIFA who ‘requested that our team return to Tijuana immediately after the match’. At 10:07 pm, just over two hours after the final whistle, the Iranian bus left SoFi Stadium as they began their journey back to Mexico.

Gianni Infantino’s Message to Iran Players

Henry Romero via Reuters

FIFA president Gianni Infantino visited the team’s dressing room after the game to deliver a message to the players. “I know what you go through, I understand,” he said. “But you are stronger than everything, and you send a strong message to the entire world.”

Footage of the Swiss boss’ speech has appeared online. After having his say, Infantino then listened as Ghalenoei explained his team’s struggles. Watch the interaction below.

Infantino is also reported to have said he’d try his best to get more of Iran’s delegation to the US for the upcoming games against Egypt and Belgium after many were denied visas.

Taremi confirmed the president’s intentions to try and help, saying: “For sure, he wants to try to help us, but it’s about other things too. You know, everyone knows. (I don’t) need to mention that, because you know where we are.”