Alex Ferguson ended a nine-year quest to sign Henning Berg by finally snaring the Norwegian international defender for £5million from Blackburn. The Manchester United boss first attempted to land the then 17-year-old Berg back in 1988. Berg, who supported United as a boy, came to Old Trafford on a week's trial, but the move fell through because the club could not obtain a work permit.

         Ferguson also unsuccessfully tried to sign the 28-year-old last February, and revealed he had bought Berg because he is a versatile player who has proved himself on the international and Premiership stages. ``He's a consistent performer with a good track record, who's an international and can play on either side of the centre backs or right backs.

         United boss Alex Ferguson had been trying to sign a defender for months and the capture of Berg comes after failed attempts to land German Markus Babbel and Spaniards Nadal and Roberto Rios.  A move for Brazilian Celio Silva broke down over a work permit while Chilean Dante Poli returned home after a trial at Old Trafford.

         Berg, who has won 44 caps for Norway, can also play in central defence, but he lost his place in the Blackburn line-up after the arrivals of Stephane Henchoz and Patrick Valery in the summer.  Berg was signed by Kenny Dalglish five seasons ago from Lillestrom and went on to make 159 Premiership appearances for Rovers, scoring four league goals.

         The experienced international is very skilful for a defender and has great balance - he is very rarely on the floor for more than a split second. He joined Rovers from SK Lillestrom for £423,000 in January 1993 and has proved a bargain. He is quiet and confident and perhaps doesn't get the recognition that he deserves in this country for his consistency and calm in the face of danger.

         He reads the game well and is often seen clearing the ball off the line or appearing as the final defender. Berg Played most of the 1995-96 season at left-back due to the injury to Graeme Le Saux.