Sorting out the midfield is currently the major headache for Erik ten Hag and according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, the manager is ready to test out James Garner.
Garner spent the 21/22 season out on loan with Nottingham Forest and the youngster has come out with shining colours. He was one of the catalysts to helping Forest secure promotion to the Premier League, playing more than 3300 minutes of Championship football. He’s scored four and assisted eight league goals in 44 games.
Now, that he is returning to Manchester United, O’Rourke believes his new manager will give the 21-year-old a chance to prove himself during the pre-season camp.
He told GIVEMESPORT: “I think Ten Hag will give everybody a look and see what they’ve got to offer in pre-season.
“Garner had a productive season on loan at Nottingham Forest, helping them to win promotion to the Premier League and I’m sure he would love to stake a claim in that Manchester United team, that would be his first priority.
“I think Ten Hag will have a look at him and then make a decision to see if he will be part of his plans.”
James Garner on Instagram: “Premier League babyyyyyyyyyy !!❤️❤️” pic.twitter.com/RGnPGP046D
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) May 29, 2022
Can James Garner be the solution to Man United’s problem?
James Garner has been top-notch for Forest but we don’t think Erik ten Hag will take the risk of putting all his hopes on the youngster’s shoulders.
Even if he does end up impressing during the summer, the 21-year-old will be used as a backup for the upcoming season. Signing a new central midfielder is a priority for the new boss and that will remain so all throughout the summer.
The ideal thing to do will be to send him out on loan for one more season and let him soak even more experience but a good pre-season will restrict that opportunity since Ten Hag will then definitely want to keep him close.
Either way, we don’t see James Garner becoming the first-choice defensive midfielder at Man United next season but if he does remain at the then he will get a lot of game time because United will be playing in the Europa League next season.
