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James Garner could earn a first team place at Manchester United next season

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According to Manchester Evening News, Sources close to James Garner believe that his excellent form at Nottingham can help him get promoted at Manchester United. James Garner played a massive role in Nottingham Forest’s historic FA Cup win over Leicester City. The 20-year-old midfielder has played a key role in Nottingham Forests’ midfield this season.

Many people believe that United’s weakest area is their midfield. Moreover, United might let go of a few midfielders in the summer. Paul Pogba is linked with a move away from Old Trafford while Donny van de Beek’s future also remains in doubt. Nemanja Matic has also turned 34 and seems unlikely to be included in United’s plans next season.

Manchester United look determined to sign West Ham’s star midfielder Declan Rice to strengthen their midfield. However, they will need some backup in case Rice gets injured or suspended. Although McTominay is still at the club, being a defensive midfielder is not his forte. Garner’s recent progress in his game might allow him to become a regular first-team player at United.

James Garner debuted for United in 2019 and was called a replacement for Ander Herrera by former United coach Ole Gunner Solskjaer. However, since then Garner has been out on loan to get more game time and develop his skills and abilities. He has certainly done that and now looks for a place in the first team at Manchester United.

Why Manchester United give James Garner a chance next season?

United’s midfield woes have continued at least for the last five years. The lack of a defensive midfielder have cost them a lot this year and for the last few years. However, that is a department where James Garner excels. The only problem was he did not have enough experience to start for United on the highest level.

Nevertheless, he does play regularly now and has been very important for Nottingham Forest. The struggles of Fred and McTominay are justified because they play an unfavoured role. Both of them are not dedicated defensive midfielders but can sometimes thrive while going forward or as box-to-box midfielders. However, Garner is a defensive midfielder who understands his duties in that role and will not be tempted to go forward.

Garner makes 1.8 tackles, 1.4 interceptions, and 1.1 clearances per game for Nottingham Forest. Moreover, he also completes 1.6 key passes and 1.2 long balls per game (stats via whoscored). He will get good help from his teammates at United which will help him become a better player and also learn a few things for the future.

James Garner will be yet another player who has graduated from United’s youth academy. Manchester United has one of the best youth academies and James Garner is also a product of that. He must have inherited some values and the DNA of the club that can help him thrive in United’s first team. It is possible that United must have looked for the answer somewhere else while they had it with them all along.

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