| Berg has
been a transfer target of Alex Ferguson for the last 10 years. The United
manager first tried to bring him to Old Trafford when he was a 17 year
old but could not secure a work permit. Several seasons later Kenny Dalglish
succeeded where Ferguson had failed by bringing Berg to Blackburn Rovers
where he soon established himself at the heart of their defence. During
his time at Ewood Park he made 159 League appearances, scoring 4 goals.
Ironically Berg was sent off for the only time in his career in England
against United back in 1994. He was dismissed for a controversial foul
on Lee Sharpe that led to Eric Cantona scoring from the spot in a 4:2 victory
for United.
Berg is
an experienced Norwegian international with over 40 caps, and 4 goals.
Following the refusal of the Department of Employment in England to grant
Brazilian defender Celio Silva a work permit, United went in search of
a quality centre back to strengthen a leaky backline. Berg was a suprise
investment for £5 million back in September - making him the most
expensive defender in the Premiership. It seemed unlikely that Blackburn
were going to part with him after they had rejected all of United's previous
approaches. But with a new manager at Ewood Park they were willing to do
a deal. Following his debut against Southampton slotted into the back four
as if he had played there for years. However towards the end of the season
Pallister and Johnsen became the first choice centre-backs. This sparked
an astonishing threat from Berg to leave unless he was given first team
football, fearing his place in Norway's World Cup squad would be put in
jeopardy. He didn't follow up on his words however and has remained at
United where he remains an important member of the United squad. |
