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James Garner to be given first-team chance at Manchester United?

By Oliver Thomas, Senior Reporter | 15 June 2022

Garner to be given first-team chance at Man United?

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag will reportedly take a closer look at midfielder James Garner during pre-season before deciding on the player's future.

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag will reportedly take a closer look at midfielder James Garner during pre-season before deciding whether he will be a part of his first-team plans.

The 21-year-old enjoyed a successful 2021-22 season on loan with Championship outfit Nottingham Forest, where he scored four goals and provided six assists in 49 games across all competitions, helping the club secure promotion to the Premier League.

Garner has now returned to his parent club Man United and the Daily Mail claims that he could remain with the Red Devils for the 2022-23 campaign if he impresses Ten Hag during pre-season.

United are set to reinforce their midfield this summer following the departures of Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Jessie Lingard and Juan Mata, but they may also turn to some of their academy starlets to step up to the first team.

Garner has recently been away on international duty with the England Under-21s squad and he has revealed that he is yet to speak to Ten Hag about his future but hopes that he can impress the new boss this summer.

Speaking to reporters, Garner said: "I've not spoken to [Ten Hag] yet. I literally came from the playoff final straight to England, so I've had no rest, no break, just been football, football so I've not spoken to anybody at the club. It's time for rest now and I'm not sure what the future holds.

"Before I went on loan, there were questions of am I physically ready to compete, to play first-team football, and I believe that I've shown that this season. Not only playing a lot of games but how I've held my own in such a tough league and men's football, you know. I think I've shown that.

"[I would like to] go on pre-season and impress. It's down to me as a player to impress [Ten Hag] and hopefully make a mark."

Garner, who has previously been linked with the likes of Leeds United and Leicester City, has only made seven senior appearances for Man United since making his debut in 2019.