A 'terrible' golf handicap - but Sander Berge looks infinitely more at home in Sheffield United's midfield

The Norwegian, United's record signing, was more looking forward to having a laugh with his teammates, and driving a buggy, than working on his short game.

But the £22m man is deadly serious about continuing to improve on the football pitch and, although the level of opposition must be taken into account, there were more positive signs against Micky Mellon's Scottish Premiership side as Berge continues to adapt to a new role in red and white.

Previously what he describes as a 'number six' with previous club Genk - otherwise known as the deep-lying midfielder role currently occupied by Ollie Norwood - Berge is being re-trained as a box-to-box midfielder to occupy the right-sided midfield role which was previously the possession of John Lundstram.

In the opening 45 minutes at Tannadice, Berge won a penalty and also set up Billy Sharp's goal with a driving run from deep. His physical stature and 6ft 4in frame make him an awkward player to knock off the ball, and there is a real excitement about his first full season as a Blade.

"I'm gradually fulfilling that role better and better, knowing what I should do with my skill set and my qualities," Berge said.

"I'm learning all the time, how I can perform in that positon and where I can attack and be dangerous for the team.

"I think I'm gradually getting better or better, no matter if I play in the No.6 or the No.8 role.

"It's a joy to play out there with these lads and I am understanding more and more about the English football culture, and especially how we want to play."

The Blades return to action on Tuesday, when they travel to Derby's Pride Park, before rounding off their pre-season preparations at Bramall Lane against Preston North End three days later.

Berge has been named in the Norway squad for their Nations League games against Norway and Austria early next month.

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