English football's most complete and skilful senior squad was strengthened further yesterday when Henning Berg made a surprise move from Blackburn Rovers to Manchester United.

The Norwegian international defender completed a £5 million switch from Ewood Park to Old Trafford yesterday after the two clubs had, apparently, spent several weeks negotiating a deal.

Berg (28), would have joined United last season had Blackburn's caretaker-manager Tony Parkes not steadfastly refused to sanction his sale. But, clearly, the new Blackburn manager Roy Hodgson believes the side he recently inherited from Parkes can now prosper without Berg's refined and authoritative defensive play - either that or he is actively seeking to stockpile cash in readiness for a major signing of his own.

Berg's departure comes just five days after another mainstay of the Blackburn defence, England international Graeme Le Saux, was sold to Chelsea, also for a fee of £5 million.

Berg believes that yesterday's deal may go some way to bridging the gulf which opened up between the two clubs last season when Rovers' wealthy benefactor Jack Walker refused to sell Alan Shearer to United.

Shearer subsequently joined Newcastle United for a then world record fee of £15 million, something which still rankles with the United manager Alex Ferguson.

"Alan wanted to come to United first and foremost but Blackburn would not let him, so he went to Newcastle," said Berg. "Everyone knows there was a bit of a problem regarding the relationship between the clubs then but maybe now I have come here that situation will improve."

Ferguson recently hinted that his club's chequebook had been returned to its regular resting place in his office drawer, but he apparently decided to make a third attempt to sign Berg 10 days ago after being told that his bid to buy Brazilian international centre back Celio Silva had collapsed.

Silva's proposed £4 million transfer to United was called off after the Department of Employment refused to issue him with a work permit.

"Henning is a most consistent performer who never seems to get injured," said Ferguson, as if to tempt fate.

"I feel that if we are going to make a really serious challenge in Europe and in the Championship, we have to be stronger in our defensive positions," he added.