Manchester United midfielder James Garner has admitted that he hopes to get the chance to impress manager Erik ten Hag during pre-season.
The 21-year-old — who started England's Under-21s' 2-1 defeat to Slovenia on Monday night — spent the 2021/22 campaign on loan at Nottingham Forest, helping the Midlands outfit earn promotion to the Premier League. They beat Huddersfield Town 1-0 in the Championship play-off final at Wembley a little more than a fortnight ago to end their 23-year absence from the top-flight.
Garner played a starring role at Wembley, ensuring he ended a second loan spell at Forest with success. He was excellent throughout the campaign, scoring four goals and grabbing 10 assists in all competitions, helping the club earn promotion and reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
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Unsurprisingly, Forest are keen on signing Garner on loan for a third time this summer, believing that he would benefit from a full season of Premier League football for the first time in his career. However, many United fans are hoping that he will be given an opportunity to prove his worth at Old Trafford and impress Ten Hag.
Big changes are expected in United's midfield this summer, meaning the Birkenhead-born ace will fancy his chances of forcing his way into the Dutchman's plans. However, he has admitted that he remains unsure what will happen in regards to his future this summer.
"I've not spoken to Erik ten Hag yet," admitted Garner. "From the play-off final I've gone straight to being with England so I've had no rest and no break yet.
"It's been football, football, football. I've not spoken to anyone at the club yet. It's time for a rest now. I'm not too sure what the future holds."
Although he is currently unsure about what could happen over the next couple of months, the midfielder wants to make an impression on the new United manager in pre-season. Ten Hag is understood to want to cast a firm eye over Garner before making a final decision on his future.
Garner, when asked what his personal preference is this summer, added: "I'm not too sure, personally. I've not had much time to think in honesty.
"I've gone from the Championship play-off final to international football. I've not had a breather or time to think about what I want. I'd like to go on pre-season and impress.
"It's down to me as a player to impress and make a mark. I know how good a style of football Ajax play so it's exciting."
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