According to Jonathan Shrager, new boss Erik ten Hag wants James Garner back at Manchester United this summer so that he can assess the youngster. Considering the Red Devils’ various issues in midfield, many have speculated as to the possibility of Garner earning a place in Ten Hag’s starting team, and it appears that the new man in charge at Old Trafford is willing to give him a chance.
Erik ten Hag Wants James Garner to Return to Manchester United for Assessment
Fantastic Loan Spell but It May Be Too Soon for the Premier League
Garner’s time in the Championship has been really impressive. He has been on loan at the City Ground since January 2021 and has since found a regular place in Forest’s starting side under multiple managers. This season, he has been undroppable as the Nottingham club have charged for promotion. This culminates on Sunday when they will face a Huddersfield Town side exceeding expectations at Wembley.
In contrast to the consistency that Garner has provided for Forest this season, Manchester United’s midfield has been chopped and changed constantly. The likes of Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Scott McTominay, and Fred have fought over two available spots in the team, with none of them becoming an established option. Not only this but Pogba and Matic are set to depart the Theatre of Dreams this summer, making reinforcements in the centre of midfield a priority for United.
They have been linked with Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong over the last couple of weeks, but this is yet to amount to anything and seems a pretty ambitious transfer for a team not even in the Champions League, regardless of how close De Jong and Ten Hag may be thanks to their time together at Ajax.
While he has undoubtedly shown consistent quality for Nottingham Forest in the Championship, the level of the Premier League is much higher, and it remains to be seen whether Garner can handle the step up.
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