The midfield frailties at Manchester United are plain for all to see at this moment in time. Even with the signing of Juventus star Adrien Rabiot on the cards and the ongoing saga around Frenkie de Jong there are still gaps that need filling. Most notably as the more defensively minded of the two deeper midfield players. Fans know that neither Fred nor Scott McTominay are capable of solidifying that role for themselves.
So, the question is how to plug that hole in this United side. The best option would be to go out and sign a world-class number 6, someone at the top of their game in European football. However, with the Glazer-restricted budget Erik ten Hag seems to be operating under this summer that seems highly unlikely given the signings that have already been made. The answer then is to look within - the answer may very well be James Garner.
The 21-year-old impressed while out on loan at Nottingham Forest last season, helping them to secure promotion out of the Championship. Not only this but he also impressed when facing Premier League opposition in cup competitions whilst playing for Forest. This has led many fans to believe that he deserves to be given a chance in the first team under Erik ten Hag.
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It may be some time before he is solidified as a regular starter for the United first team. And there is the possibility, of course, that that day may never come. However, given the lack of viable options currently at the club. It is definitely worth the risk of taking a chance on the youngster. It was a shame for many fans that Garner was not able to get more minutes in the pre-season friendlies due to injury. The manager was clearly willing to give youth a chance to impress with the likes of Charlie Savage and Zidane Iqbal getting some serious minutes and both taking the opportunities they were given. These two have certainly solidified themselves in the mind of fans and the manager alike.
While Garner is seen as more of a box-to-box number 8 with a keen eye for getting forward, there is definitely a case to be made for him being the more defensively minded of a midfield two, a role in which he operated regularly for Forest. If Garner were to play alongside a Rabiot, a Christian Eriksen or, if the deal ever happens, a De Jong, then the two could help to shore up United’s midfield. Looking to retain possession of the ball and meaningful possession at that, helping the team to progress the ball further forwards, create chances and score goals. Now is as good a time as any to give the youngster a chance to impress in the first team. If Ten Hag can help Garner build on the attributes he has then the midfielder could become something of a regular in this United side.
