Former Manchester United midfielder Luke Chadwick has warned James Garner of the potential backlash that may follow if he signs for Leeds United. The Red Devils youngster continues to be linked with a summer Elland Road switch but the potential move across the Pennines is unlikely to go down well at Old Trafford.
He has been mightily impressive in the Championship with Nottingham Forest this season and is the subject of interest from a handful of Premier League clubs. Of those top-flight teams, the links to Leeds have been strongest and are intensifying ahead of the summer transfer window.
Although, Chadwick has claimed that Manchester United supporters wouldn’t be too happy to see Garner move to one of their oldest enemies. He told CaughtOffside : “The rivalry with Leeds means it wouldn’t go particularly well down with the fanbase.
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“Obviously, James Garner has a decision to make as well because I am sure he has got a real taste for first-team football after being a key part of the improvements at Nottingham Forest this season. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see him in and around United’s first team during pre-season to see what he can offer the club going forward."
There will be plenty of people at Old Trafford that are hoping to see whether Garner is good enough to seamlessly slot into the Manchester United side next season. Chadwick believes that the new manager, whoever it might be, will be keen to look at the 21-year-old over the summer.
“James Garner has proven in the Championship of being a top, top player at that level and United obviously have a history of getting players through from their academy to the first team,” he added. “So I would be very surprised if Garner left before the new manager had a good look at him.
“He is certainly someone who could flourish in the Premier League. It might be a big ask for him to go in and start every game from the start of the next season but I do genuinely think Man United think a lot of him.”
The intentions of Garner’s parent club will be made very clear throughout the summer as they are likely to be forced into deciding whether to sell him or not. His desire for regular first-team football could well lead to his departure but the opportunity for exposure at Manchester United may outweigh any potential moves.
