Manchester United supporters are convinced that Erik ten Hag should deploy James Garner as his number six next season after watching the academy graduate put in a mature display for England Under-21s.
Garner, 21, will be assessed by Ten Hag during pre-season as the Dutchman plots his summer rebuild. United are to set their sights on at least one central midfield signing, meanwhile, with Frenkie de Jong and Leeds talisman Kalvin Phillips identified as targets for the engine room.
If either or both of those players arrive, it would naturally effect Garner and his prospects of breaking into the first-team picture in time for next season. He spent last term on loan with Nottingham Forest and caught the eye with a string of impressive performances in their promotion-winning charge.
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After celebrating that Wembley success, there was little time for Garner to rest as he was thrust straight back into action alongside his England teammates. He played a starring role, too, as the Young Lions strengthened their push for Euro 2021 qualification.
Goals from Emile Smith Rowe and Jacob Ramsey did the damage against the second-placed Czechs. It was a result that moved them top in Group G on goal difference with two games in hand to come, too.
Wearing the number 6 shirt, Garner started and played the entire 90 minutes. It was a performance which brought superb stats for the academy graduate; including 61 touches, a 96 per cent pass accuracy, three duels won and the same number of interceptions. Needless to say, it went down a storm on social media;
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