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Erik ten Hag’s judgment played a key role in Man United starlet’s summer exit

James Garner on the chopping block as Manchester United decide to sell 21-year-old.
James Garner on the chopping block as Manchester United decide to sell 21-year-old. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

James Garner was sold to Everton this summer because Erik ten Hag judged the midfielder was not good enough for Manchester United

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag felt James Garner was not good enough to play regularly for the side. The Red Devils subsequently sanctioned the 21-year-old’s exit, according to The Athletic (Subscription Required) [h/t Manchester Evening News]. The midfielder was sold to Everton on deadline day.

Instead of looking for another loan move, the management decided to cash in on Garner. A permanent move was sought as there was no guarantee of the 21-year-old’s future value.

Garner returned to Manchester this summer after an impressive loan spell with Nottingham Forest. The England U21 international spent a season-and-a-half on loan with the Tricky Trees. He immediately became an essential part of West Bridgford.

Erik ten Hag did not feel James Garner was good enough for Manchester United.
Erik ten Hag did not feel James Garner was good enough for Manchester United. (GETTY Images)

In the previous campaign, Garner appeared in 49 games for Forest, scoring four goals and providing 10 assists. In the end, the Tricky Trees won promotion to the Premier League for the first time in 23 years.

Garner mostly played as a defensive midfielder for Steve Cooper’s side. However, the 21-year-old was also deployed as a number 8 and number 10. The United academy graduate is evidently a complete midfielder.

However, Garner was not given the opportunity to display his talent at Old Trafford. The England U21 international was not afforded a lot of minutes during the Red Devils’ Asia and Australia tour.

James Garner was not given an adequate opportunity at Manchester United.
James Garner was not given an adequate opportunity at Manchester United. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

At United, Ten Hag trusted Scott McTominay and Fred at the start of the 2022/23 campaign. The duo were not convincing as the Manchester-based club were embarrassed by Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford in the first two fixtures of the season.

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United fans wanted Garner to be given a chance to show his mettle. However, it was not meant to be. Now, the Red Devils have added Casemiro to the mix. With so many names ahead of the 21-year-old in the pecking order, a move elsewhere is a wise option for him.

Written by Aheed Abrar

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