Pranav Nair
Manchester United starlet James Garner could be included in the first-team squad for pre-season
According to the Daily Star, Manchester United could include promising youngster James Garner in their pre-season squad ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.
Nicknamed the ‘next Michael Carrick’, the 20-year-old came through the ranks at Old Trafford, before going on to make his first-team debut. He has so far made seven appearances for the senior side.
With first-team opportunities hard to come by, United decided to loan out Garner to Championship side Watford last summer. However, he failed to play regularly at Vicarage Road and was recalled in January.
The 20-year-old was then loaned out to another Championship side, Nottingham Forest. With four goals in 20 games, it is fair to say he has had better luck the second time around. His performances have also pleased Forest boss Chris Hughton. (h/t Mirror)
Garner’s form has not gone unnoticed, with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer keen to take the 20-year-old on the Red Devils’ pre-season tour.
It is clear that Solskjaer rates the youngster highly. After all, it was he who gave Garner his nickname. Whether the 20-year-old takes the opportunity afforded to him remains to be seen.
Home comforts!
According to Manchester Evening News, the Red Devils look set to play the majority of their fixtures in the United Kingdom this summer. It marks a considerable difference from the usual tours that have taken us across the world in recent years.
Matches abroad have however not been ruled out. However, it depends on the COVID-19 situation and could be limited to mainland Europe.
United’s most recent local pre-season friendly was when they drew 1-1 with AC Milan in August 2019. The game was held at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.
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While Garner still has a long way to go before he can fill Carrick’s boots, he is certainly on the right track. He can make use of the pre-season games to give the Red Devils a case to consider.
