Man Utd told ‘terrific’ midfielder he was surplus to requirements in 2022, now he would be a starter for Ruben Amorim

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There is a growing realisation among fans that when a player departs Manchester United, their career tends to have an upward trajectory.

Examples of this happening to Manchester United can be found as recently as January when Ineos sent a handful of underperformers out on loan.

This has most notably seen Antony in world-class form for Real Betis, scoring three goals in Spain already and becoming a real fan favourite for the La Liga outfit.

Another example would be the difference in Marcus Rashford’s performances for Aston Villa, as opposed to the way he had been playing for United over the past year. But there are some less notable examples in recent years.

Erik ten Hag let a lot of talent leave Old Trafford, with Zidane Iqbal beginning to impress in the Netherlands for Utrecht. While even Anthony Martial has been on fire for AEK Athens in Greece – interestingly injury-free.

Meanwhile, Anthony Elanga has been tipped as the next David Beckham for his magnificent performances for Nottingham Forest this season.

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James Garner would currently start for Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United

One often-forgotten player that United let go was James Garner, who joined Everton in 2022 for £15m.

Ten Hag told Garner he wasn’t needed at United which prompted the midfielder to seek pastures new and he found a home at Goodison Park.

It was an interesting decision by Ten Hag, considering Garner had proved himself ready for senior football and was better in the midfield two than most of the United squad until Casemiro arrived.

Since then, Garner has gone on to appear 71 times for Everton and established himself as a very solid Premier League midfielder.

This weekend, Garner will face United in the final game between the two clubs at Goodison Park and lining up against him will be a weak United midfield.

Amorim could be forced to use Casemiro, which he has often been reluctant to do – so it isn’t crazy to assume that Garner would step into his team and imagine he will rue Ten Hag’s decision-making.

At the age of just 23, Garner is still young and has the potential to get even better. Interestingly, United have a buy-back option for Garner – although details of this are vague.

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James Garner has become ‘terrific’ since Manchester United exit

Garner has gone from strength to strength in his nearly three years post-United and has received plenty of praise through these seasons.

Sean Dyche was a fan of the midfielder, as he raved to the Liverpool Echo about Garner back in 2023.

“Jimmy Garner was terrific, he’s learning and improving. He’s just a good kid. He’s got that nice little edge about him that he’s a bit of a nark now and again, I like it.

“I think you need that as a footballer. The demands he places upon himself are very pleasing as he works very hard in training and I think he’s getting the rewards with his improvement. When I got here he’d been injured and stuff so that wasn’t helpful but you can see the improvement in him – week in, week out.”

Garner missed a lot of this season due to injury but has been a regular under David Moyes with some very encouraging performances.

Amorim will however be hoping that Saturday is not another standout performance, as it could prove too much for United to handle.