James Garner believes he could play as a number six or a number eight in Erik ten Hag's Manchester United midfield as he prepares to make his first appearance under the new manager.
The 21-year-old has missed both games on the pre-season tour so far after picking up a minor knock and he has had to watch fellow youngsters Charlie Savage and Zidane Iqbal both impress in games against Liverpool and Melbourne Victory. Garner is being given pre-season to stake his claim for regular involvement in Ten Hag's first-team squad, having enjoyed an outstanding season on loan at Nottingham Forest last term.
The England Under-21 international made 49 appearances in all competitions as Forest won promotion to the Premier League and with several departures in the midfield at Old Trafford this summer, he could get a chance with his parent club.
READ MORE: Iqbal explains what he's doing to impress Ten Hag
Ten Hag is likely to field a couple of deep-lying midfielders and Garner has insisted that is a role he is happy with.
"Personally, I’m not too fussed if I play as a 6 or 8. Throughout the academy I played as a deeper lying 6. People maybe questioned whether could I score and create but when I got to the 21s I showed I could also play box to box," he said.
"This season I’ve played as a 6, 8 and in the No 10 position. For me, I enjoy 6 or 8 as long as playing. In the academy, I was always a centre-back at six or seven but got moved into midfield and it went from there. I’m enjoying my time."
Garner was an integral part of the Forest midfield last term, especially after Steve Cooper took over as manager in September. He won't be able to return to the City Ground on loan next season, with Forest having already taken Dean Henderson on a temporary basis from United, but he has fond memories of his time at the club.
"Last season was a top season for me, I think will be tough to top a season like that unless I win the Premier League," he said.
"The manager really took to me, we won a lot of games. We didn’t have best start first in the seven games but then the manager came in and we were on a flier."
Garner's pre-season has been one of frustration so far, but he is due back in training tomorrow and could feature against Crystal Palace in Melbourne on Tuesday, or Aston Villa in Perth on Saturday.
He scored in the Optus Stadium three years ago, in a game against Perth Glory, and is looking forward to featuring Down Under once again.
"Unfortunately I picked up a little injury on the first day which has set me back until now. I’ve been in the gym and I’m back training from Monday so hopefully I’ll get a chance to play," he said.
"Australia has good memories for me. Last time I was here I ended up scoring so if I get my chance when we go to Perth and I’m playing hopefully I can get another goal."
READ NEXT:
