Watford have confirmed the signing of highly promising Manchester United youngster James Garner on a season-long loan. The 19-year-old will wear number 16 for the club and is available for the Hornets’ second Championship game against Sheffield Wednesday.
Watford Sign James Garner on a Season-Long Loan
First Team Football
James Garner is one of Manchester United’s most promising youngsters. The midfielder is regularly controlling games at the U23 level. Nevertheless, United have a strong midfield, and the arrival of Donny van de Beek has made breaking into the first team almost impossible for Garner.
To further his development, the academy player needs regular game time at the senior level. Neil Wood, the Red Devils’ U23 manager, believes a loan move will be beneficial for his career.
“Jimmy has been around first-team training throughout the season. He has trained with them then come back with us,” he said.
“The opportunity is there for him. That said, there is a lot of experience in the manager and coaching staff and if they feel like a loan would suit him, I definitely think it would be important to get him the right club.
“I think it would be a good test for him to go out play regularly; one or two games a week if he drops down to the Championship.”
His Talent Recognised
For Manchester United’s reserve side, Garner was very impressive last season. The 19-year-old scored eight goals in ten matches for the squad, while regularly controlling the game from deeper midfield. He was also team captain for most of the season, leading them to promotion to the top division.
His accomplishments at the reserve level have been recognized by the club, as Garner has claimed the club’s U23 Player of the Year award. Head of United’s academy Nick Cox was full of praise for the player.
“James really earned this,” he said. “He’s been nominated for three awards during his time in the academy, which just shows the level of his performance over the last few years.
“James’s range of passing is excellent; he’s a great reader of the game and has become a leader within the group.
“The minutes that he got for the first team are down to the hard work and dedication that he regularly shows and this award is further recognition of that.”
How James Garner Can Help Watford
Last season, Watford finished 19th in the Premier League, as disappointing performances left them in a relegation spot. Their challenge is now to bounce back to the top flight as quickly as possible. James Garner will be a great asset to the club in their attempt at promotion.
As a club is relegated to a lower level, their best players usually move on, and Watford are no different. Everton have taken the opportunity to sign French midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure on a permanent deal. He spent five years at Watford before joining Allan and James Rodriguez in signing for Carlos Ancelotti’s side.
Garner will be able to compete with Nathaniel Chalobah and Etienne Capoue for his preferred deeper midfield role. In this position, the young midfielder can dictate the tempo of the game and use his vision and passing range freely. He is also strong positionally and would be able to chip in with some goals.
Watford could also use him in more of a box-to-box role. This would take advantage of Garner’s creativity and natural ability to score goals. Wherever the 19-year-old plays, his quality allows him to have a great impact on the game.
The Hornets have started this season with two victories, in the League and the EFL Cup respectively. They take on Sheffield Wednesday next in the Championship at Hillsborough. That game may be too soon for Garner to take part, but he will surely be in the squad as quickly as possible.
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