James Garner’s performances for Nottingham Forest in 2022 have been exactly what Manchester United wanted to see.
While there was a case to recall him in January, Garner has flourished by staying at the City Ground, and has played a starring role in his club’s FA Cup run to the quarter-finals.
Garner helped Forest to wins over Arsenal and Leicester, and fell just short on Sunday against Liverpool as they were narrowly beaten 1-0.
The 21-year-old came close to making a real mark on the game, with a defence-splitting pass scything through Liverpool’s defence, resulting in a penalty appeal which was waved away. But with that one pass, Garner showed his quality.
Garner was praised even before the game by former United captain Roy Keane, who told ITV: “He is technically very good. He likes to dictate the play.”
Already this season he has four assists from corners, two more than United have all season. It is this passing range which will help him fit in at United, and this has been clear ever since his days in the under-23s.
Where Garner fits in
While in Garner’s early days he was compared to Michael Carrick, this is not his best position. He can play there, but he is at his best when he can influence the game in the final third.
Anybody expecting Garner to come in and be United’s defensive midfield solution, should forget that for the time being. When he returns this summer, he will be competing with Fred and Scott McTominay for their spots.
Garner can play the number 10 role, and could become Bruno Fernandes’ deputy, but he won’t get the starting opportunities. And United also have other young prospects who could possibly play that role, like Hannibal or Shola Shoretire – or a new signing could be brought in.
United will sign a defensive midfielder this summer, to solve a well known need, and Nemanja Matic will likely move on.
Garner would supplement United’s other midfield options to play alongside the new addition, and compete with both Fred and McTominay.
Fred has had a strong season, with a career best in assists, while McTominay has been more patchy. As a combination, fans are keen for them to be split up, and each get the chance to start alongside a proper defensive midfielder – rather than each other.
Garner can also benefit, and will battle for chances, if he stays. It is possible United could loan him out for an extra season to a Premier League team. Nottingham Forest will push for it if they are promoted through the play-offs, while The Sun claim both Leeds and Southampton are interested in a move.
Even if Garner does go on loan for another season, it doesn’t change his direction; he is coming for the spots occupied by Fred and McTominay eventually, and will be stronger for the extra experience he picks up.
United fans are not known in this day and age for showing patience, but showing some with Garner could pay off. He had a slow start to this season with Forest, before really kicking on. It shouldn’t be forgotten that Garner has already played for United and performed well, featuring in three Europa League group stage matches as a starter in 2019/20, including a very impressive display in a 1-0 win away at Partizan Belgrade.
Whoever the new boss is, the chance to develop Garner further could appeal, and prevent him being loaned out. The England under-21 international is making a real name for himself, and bright times lie ahead.
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