Chris Wilder makes an admission about Sander Berge's Sheffield United future after praising midfielder's attitude in injury recovery

Chris Wilder says he would "love" Sander Berge to stay at Sheffield United, no matter what division they are playing football in next season, after praising the young Norwegian international's "brilliant attitude" as he copes with injury and lockdown away from home.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Berge is currently recovering after surgery on a hamstring injury he picked up against Manchester United, which was expected to keep him out for between three and four months.

But Wilder says the midfielder has a smile on his face as he works with United's medical staff, describing him as a "positive boy with a brilliant attitude".

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"He's got a big scar down his leg which I've just seen when I've been in to see him," Wilder said.

"But he's a popular, bright boy with a smile on his face and he's looking to return, but there's no rush with him.

"It was a 12-16 week situation and he's working away with the medical department, but he's got a smile on his face which is brilliant.

"Jack [O'Connell] has been a huge miss for us and Sander has been as well because he's been arguably our best player since lockdown.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"He's working away and we'd be delighted to get him back as soon as possible."

Sander Berge is recovering from hamstring surgery: Andrew Yates/SportimageSander Berge is recovering from hamstring surgery: Andrew Yates/Sportimage
Sander Berge is recovering from hamstring surgery: Andrew Yates/Sportimage

Berge became United's record signing when he arrived in a £22m deal from Genk, but many Blades fans fear they may have seen the last of him in a Blades shirt.

United are bottom of the table at the halfway stage and after Burnley's win at Liverpool last night, sit 12 points from safety ahead of tomorrow's FA Cup tie against Plymouth.

"He has the support of everybody here and the communication back home is frequent," Wilder added of Berge.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"He's a positive boy with a brilliant attitude, I love him to bits and would love him to stay regardless of what happens.

"He gets on with it but it's really challenging for him - not just to make that move abroad as a young kid, but to go into lockdown so soon after moving to England is incredibly challenging.

"But he has the personality to cope with that and there's some good people in the players and staff to help him through it."

SPECIAL OFFER: By subscribing to The Star’s sports-only digital package you help us to continue providing the best coverage of Sheffield United. Until February 1 there’s 20% off a year’s subscription, taking you through what is expected to be a busy transfer window. All the details are HERE, just use the promo code TRANSFER20.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.