Manchester United midfielder James Garner has said he is “open” to a loan move to a Premier League side as he looks to play “week in, week out”.
In an interview with PA Sport’s Simon Peach, published on the Independent, Garner affirmed his desire to play for United but also stated he is willing to depart again if it means getting regular playing time.
James Garner Open to Loan Exit From Manchester United
Interviewed #MUFC midfielder James Garner in Perth towards the end of the tour. He’s desperate to make his mark this season but knows he needs regular football at this stage of his careerhttps://t.co/m7xbrdmgPg
— Simon Peach (@SimonPeach) July 25, 2022
‘I’m Definitely Open to Going Back on Loan’
The 21-year-old spent last season on loan at Nottingham Forest, helping them to secure promotion to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs.
Garner was a standout performer in the middle of the park for Forest, but a return for another season is unlikely due to Dean Henderson already joining the East Midlands club on loan from United.
On last season, Garner said: “I played pretty much every single game, played well and ended up winning promotion. For me, it’s probably the perfect loan.
“I want to play week in, week out. That is of course what I want to do.”
He continued: “I want to play for United. Of course, that’s obviously my aim.
“But I feel like if I’m not going to be playing as regularly as I would like to then I’m definitely open to going back on loan to a Premier League side.”
Decision Yet to be Made
A decision on Garner’s short-term future is yet to be made.
Ten Hag on Garner's future: "James Garner integrated into training this week, so I haven't seen him. I don't have a full impression of him and I want to see more. I will then answer the question, make conclusions and decisions." #mufc pic.twitter.com/9Nz8AOdtlQ
— Steven Railston (@StevenRailston) July 22, 2022
The England U21 midfielder played 23 minutes in United’s 2-2 pre-season draw with Aston Villa on Saturday, but new boss Erik ten Hag reportedly wants to see more of him before a final decision is made.
If he were to stay at United, he could add to the seven first-team appearances he currently has for the club.