The case for United starting James Garner against Liverpool
Midfield is one of Manchester United’s problem areas this weekend against Liverpool.
And it’s not a one off. The midfield has been an issue all season long. Hardly a surprise after not signing a single midfielder.
There are options. They just have not proved very convincing. Fred, Nemanja Matic, Andreas Pereira, none of these players are matchwinners, and at times they have been liabilities.
One player with the potential to be a game changer is James Garner.
And Ole Gunnar Solskjaer should give serious consideration to starting the teenager against Liverpool.
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Good enough, old enough
Sometimes a manager has to be bold, and this is a moment to weigh up throwing Garner into the fire.
Playing against Liverpool will be tough, but with a vociferous Old Trafford crowd roaring him on, this could be a great opportunity to give a fearless young player a chance.
Fearless is a good way to describe Garner. He will shoot on sight, and will want to seize his opportunity.
He has six goals in seven under-23 games this season, and also netted for England’s under-19s this past week.
Garner also scored with his first touch in pre-season, firing in an effort from the edge of the box which is quickly becoming his trademark.
Brave managerial decisions can pay off. It can lift the crowd. The buzz at Old Trafford will be greater if Garner is announced in the line-up, than if Nemanja Matic or Fred are.
United know what they will probably get with those two. With Garner there is a chance for something more. United need some hope, with Paul Pogba ruled out.
The crowd can be United’s biggest asset against Liverpool and Garner can fire the supporters up.
Newcastle benefitted from a bold call by Steve Bruce a fortnight ago against us when he selected Matty Longstaff for his debut in a big game and he repaid the selection with a goal.
Garner can do the same and cause Liverpool problems at a packed Old Trafford.
If United are going to go down to the league leaders, why not go down swinging?
And it could be better than that. Garner is a goalscorer who gives United a better chance to win.
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