Former Manchester United star James Garner believes his summer transfer to Everton was the right choice. The 21-year-old just completed a permanent deal with the Toffees.
The England U21 star progressed through the Red Devils’ academy. Before the Old Trafford team chose to sell him, he had two successful seasons in the Championship. Garner said that leaving United was disappointing in an interview with The Times. However, the midfielder also admitted that he didn’t want to stop improving as a player in Manchester.
He said:
“At the moment it is very disappointing. That was the club that I trained with five times a week for years and years and years, where I made my debut.”
“But I didn’t want to stagnate. I didn’t want to stay there really and when they said I could leave also, I was in agreement with that. I just think it all made sense. I had two good seasons on loan and returned to United in the summer.”
Garner enjoyed a productive tenure at Nottingham Forest last year. After 23 years, Steve Cooper was able to achieve promotion to the English top division thanks in large part to the 21-year-old. During the previous season, the midfielder made 49 appearances across all competitions, recording four goals and ten assists.
The young player is a defensive midfielder by trade. But the West Bridgford team also used him in the number eight and number 10 positions.
The fans expected Garner to feature more during United’s preseason games. However, under Erik ten Hag, the midfielder hardly ever received an opportunity. In the end, Christian Eriksen and Casemiro arrived at Old Trafford and the club appears to have deemed the 21-year-old surplus to requirements.
Garner now has the chance to play under one of the finest midfielders in Premier League history at Everton. It will be interesting to see if Garner can eventually reach his full potential.
