Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has made his approval clear as the club considers a surprising January move to bring a former player back to Old Trafford.
Fernandes' Past Praise for Garner Resurfaces
According to reports, United are showing a concrete interest in re-signing Everton midfielder James Garner. The 24-year-old, whose contract at Goodison Park expires in the summer of 2026, is now a priority target for incoming manager Ruben Amorim. The move has a significant backer within the current squad: skipper Bruno Fernandes.
Fernandes' admiration for Garner is not new. During an exclusive Q&A on the club's official website back in 2021, the Portuguese playmaker singled out the academy graduate. "I think we know some of them already," Fernandes said of the young players. "Jimmy Garner, I think is a really good player, I really like him and the way he kicks the ball. He's really aggressive off the ball too."
This endorsement was reiterated in 2022 when, asked on social media platform X which academy prospect excited him most, Fernandes again named Garner.
Midfield Exodus Forces United into January Market
The push for a midfielder this month is driven by necessity. United's engine room is facing a potential clear-out, with Casemiro, Toby Collyer, Manuel Ugarte, and even Kobbie Mainoo all linked with departures in the near future. The immediate situation is critical, with both Fernandes and Mainoo currently sidelined by injury.
This shortage was starkly illustrated in the recent match against Aston Villa, where centre-back Lisandro Martinez had to be deployed in midfield from the bench. This vulnerability is forcing Amorim to act swiftly in the January transfer window to secure reinforcements.
A Savvy Deal for the Red Devils?
James Garner, a Birkenhead-born player who spent four years on United's books before his 2022 sale to Everton, could represent a shrewd piece of business. While he spent much of his time at United out on loan, his development at Everton has been impressive.
Everton are attempting to tie Garner down to a new contract, but the lure of a return to Manchester United, with the backing of the club captain, could prove decisive. A January move would allow United to bolster their ranks for the second half of the season with a player already familiar with the club's culture.
Other names, like Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, remain on United's radar, but the pursuit of Garner appears to be gathering serious momentum as the window progresses.
