James Garner’s successful loan spell has put him in the conversation for a first team chance at Manchester United next season.
Garner, 20, has now made 23 Championship starts across his loan spells at Watford.
His progress has asked the question of where he might fit in at Manchester United next season, and Garner is keen to stress that he does not want to box himself off into a particular role.
Garner told the club website he prides himself on his versatility and ability to fit different tactical systems, and says he aims to become a complete midfielder, able to play a defensive and more forward-thinking role.
He explained: “I’d like to see myself as a complete midfielder [in the future] if I can do both. I feel I can be a defensive midfielder or I could be a no.8 who can be box to box. But, at the moment, I’m not too fussed where I play, as long as I am playing. I like to do what I do best for my team, if it means playing no.6 or no.8, I’ll do it as I really enjoy playing football.
“It’s a bit too early [to say about a long-term fixed position]. I wouldn’t like to put a marker down on a position I play at, I’d rather be versatile. Certain games need certain shapes and formations so, if I can fit into two or three different shapes, rather than one, it’s only going to benefit me.
“Something I said I’d work on last season, and I definitely did and showed everyone what I can do on the attacking side. For me, it’s about putting the attacking and defensive sides both together and I can do both by playing as a no.8 or a no.6.
“
Intelligent approach
Garner talks as intelligently as he plays. This is exactly the right approach to take for a player of his age and skillset, to try to excel in as many positions as he can.
Being able to fill in several roles could help Ole Gunnar Solskjaer plan to utilise him next season.
Being versatile could be the difference between Garner starting 20 games in all competitions for United, as opposed to under five.
Ultimately, there are a couple of factors which will decide where Garner spends the 2021/22 season.
The first will be what kind of impression he will make on the coaching staff upon his return in the summer. Will they be impressed with his progress, or left wanting more?
The second aspect in play is United’s transfer business. The midfield could need some reshaping even before considering the dilemma of Paul Pogba’s future.
United won’t be short of offers for Garner on loan, Forest would love him back, while Premier League clubs may also show interest.
Prior to deciding, United need to take a close look at him, and get the majority of the club’s transfer business done.
Garner’s future only may end up being decided once the new league season approaches kick-off time on August 14.
- Benjamin Sesko injury update and return timeline, what happened to Man Utd striker and way forward
- Man Utd can no longer offer Marcus Rashford what he needs, and plans are in place far beyond him
- Man Utd have one of the top 25 fastest players at the World Cup – but sold the star at #2
- Manchester United’s search for a reliable centre-back – Smart Premier League and European options for Ineos
- Every Man Utd loanee for the 2026/27 season
- Three standout World Cup stars proved that Man Utd should have done everything in their power to sign them
- Sir Alex Ferguson’s approach to Lisandro Martinez proves why ‘writing off’ Man Utd star is now premature
- The Man Utd coach connection behind Tynan Thompson’s big career accomplishment
- Michael Carrick could still implement Sir Alex Ferguson’s Man Utd ‘plan’ for post-World Cup, he saw it in action
- Godwill Kukonki now has extra motivation to sign a long-term Manchester United deal
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
