United loanee James Garner named in Championship team of the month

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Manchester United youngster James Garner has been named in the Championship team of the month for February.

Of the three goals Garner has scored this season for Nottingham Forest, two came last month as the midfielder scored in wins over Blackburn Rovers and Bristol City.

Playing further forward as an advanced midfielder, the 22-year-old was unfortunate to add a league assist in February having made nine key passes during the month’s fixtures.

Garner’s inclusion in the team of the month came on the same day that he was given a notable mention by Manchester United’s technical director Darren Fletcher.

Fletcher was speaking as part of a football update to United’s Fans’ Forum at Old Trafford and highlighted how impressed he was with the progress some of the club’s youngsters are making during their loan spells.

“We currently have 13 young players and Academy products on loan and playing regularly in other divisions or leagues,” said Fletcher.

“Hopefully, we’ll see players like Brandon Williams, Teden Mengi, Jimmy Garner, Ethan Laird, Tahith Chong and Amad reap the benefits of that.

“All of them are doing really well on loan and we’re excited to bring them back in pre-season to see how they fare with our first-team players.”

Among the players that Fletcher namechecks, Garner could have the best chance of making a breakthrough into the first team.

United’s midfield department could be the position that faces the biggest upheaval going into next season and Garner could well benefit from that.

With Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic and Donny van de Beek’s futures all remaining uncertain, Garner could capitalise on his chance to impress.

However, the Athletic feel that United may look to send Garner out on loan to a Premier League club first before returning and challenging for a first team spot.

Their report states: “Garner is building his reputation at Nottingham Forest and is expected to be given a real shot at staying, given United’s midfield issues.

“But he may require a Premier League loan first.”

With Forest chasing promotion, it could well be that the perfect scenario for all parties is that Steve Cooper’s side clinch promotion to the top-flight and the England under-21 international is sent back to the City Ground on a season-long loan to gain valuable experience playing in the Premier League.

However, judging by Fletcher’s comments, Garner will report for pre-season have a chance to stake his claim.