While Manchester United’s first team were hammering Southampton 9-0, loanee James Garner had a night to remember too.
Garner went straight into Nottingham Forest’s starting line-up after his loan switch, following the cancellation of his Watford deal.
Garner, 19, played all 90 minutes in central midfield as Forest won 2-1 away from home.
The youngster was voted as man of the match by Forest fans after the game.
Garner previously made 20 appearances on loan at Watford before his spell turned sour, due to a change of manager.
New boss Chris Hughton had promised him game time, and by starting him immediately, he showed he meant it.
Garner seized his chance, managing more touches of the ball (61) than any player on Forest team.
Garner also led his team in tackles won (4), aerial duels won (4) and was joint highest for interceptions (3). He had two shots at goal too, but both missed the target.
Considering this was his first start since December, going straight into a new team in an away fixture after just a couple of days training, it was a particularly impressive performance.
Manager was impressed
Hughton praised Garner after the game. He told Forest’s website: “I was really pleased. When he finishes this season he will have had great experience at two Championship clubs and I think he showed that today.
“For a young player he showed maturity in a gruelling game as we were under pressure in the second half, so he had to play a bit of a different role, but I was really pleased for him.”
Garner is capable of playing attacking or defensive roles. His defensive attributes came to the fore in this display. He has set a high bar now, and opponents Coventry are among the weaker teams in the division, but the United loanee could not have wished for a better start.
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