James Garner has been told he would be welcomed back at Nottingham Forest with open arms should Manchester United be unable to fit him into their plans for next season. Garner, 21, was brought off the bench by manager Erik ten Hag during the 2-2 draw with Aston Villa on Saturday.
It was his first appearance of the pre-season programme and those 22 minutes offered Garner an opportunity to impress the Dutchman against Premier League opponents. United were 2-0 up in Perth before Villa responded in the second half when Ten Hag made several changes.
Garner was brought on in central midfield - for the first time this summer - and United will have to make a decision on him sooner rather than later. It comes as key figures in the boardroom continue to target Frenkie de Jong amid a long-standing pursuit for the Barcelona and Netherlands playmaker.
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