Manchester United’s youth academy has historically been one of the best in the world, and the current crop of youngsters playing there is no different. James Garner, once labelled as the ‘next Michael Carrick’, is one of the most exciting talents rising through the ranks there, but would it be more beneficial for him to remain at United, or to go out on loan for a season?
Should James Garner Leave Manchester United on Loan?
No — Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Gives Youth a Chance
A strong case can be made as to why James Garner may not benefit as much from a loan spell as he would remaining at United.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is no stranger to giving young players game-time, and it tends to work out well for all parties. This season, Mason Greenwood and Brandon Williams have both broken out into the first-team, and are now having much success as regulars there.
Garner will hope that the Norwegian would do similarly with him, having shown multiple times over the course of this season that he is ready for the next step up.
No — A Loan Move can be Very Risky
While loan moves can help a career, as seen with Dean Henderson at Sheffield United this campaign, they can also break one.
For example, Joel Pereira was one of the most exciting goalkeepers at Manchester United not long ago, with Jose Mourinho having backed him to become one of the best goalkeepers in the world, but it looks as if his time in Manchester is all but over. His most recent temporary move away, to Scottish side Hearts, has been catastrophic. He has conceded many goals, showing himself as a liability, and the team’s form has taken a sharp up-turn since his being dropped.
Furthermore, Adnan Januzaj, who looked extremely promising during David Moyes’ tenure at Old Trafford, failed at Borussia Dortmund and Sunderland, leaving him as another overhyped wonderkid who never turned into anything special.
Yes — Little space in the First-Team for James Garner
The fact that Garner has proven himself ready for first-team action in the U23s could be a concern to him about staying put at the Theatre of Dreams. With Solskjaer willing to give young players opportunities, the Red Devils’ depth at central midfield, with Paul Pogba, Fred, Scott McTominay and Nemanja Matic all quality options there, could hinder his progress.
While Solskjaer could give him much more game-time next season, allowing him to become a regular in the senior side, there is no guarantee of that, and a loan move would give him much more experience.
Furthermore, looking worlds above the level at U23, the 19-year-old would surely get much time on the pitch even at another Premier League side, and a loan move may be the best thing for his career.
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