Manchester United are considering a surprise move to bring academy graduate James Garner back to Old Trafford during the January transfer window, as new manager Ruben Amorim scrambles to address a deepening midfield shortage.
From Carrington Exit to Potential Return
James Garner, who joined United's famed academy at the age of just eight, departed the club in the summer of 2022 in a £15 million deal that saw him move to Everton. The transfer, which occurred on the final day of the window, was met with frustration by many supporters who felt the midfielder deserved a first-team chance after a successful loan spell at Nottingham Forest.
Garner managed only seven senior appearances for the Red Devils before his exit, citing a need for regular football that he felt was unattainable at his boyhood club. Now 24, the box-to-box player has entered the final six months of his contract at Goodison Park, putting United on alert for a potential bargain deal.
Amorim's Midfield Crisis Forces United's Hand
The push to re-sign Garner is driven by an acute injury crisis in United's engine room. Key players Kobbie Mainoo and captain Bruno Fernandes are currently sidelined, adding to existing questions over the long-term futures of Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte.
This shortage forced Amorim into drastic measures over the festive period. He was compelled to hand 18-year-old prospect Jack Fletcher 45 minutes against Newcastle United on Boxing Day and even deployed centre-back Lisandro Martinez in midfield during the trip to Aston Villa.
Garner's Stance and Everton's Position
Despite the potential for an emotional return, Garner has previously expressed no regrets about his original decision to seek opportunities elsewhere. In an interview with BBC Sport, he explained his reasoning for leaving one of the world's biggest clubs.
"When I came back to United, I felt like I had a good enough season to have a shot," Garner said. "But unfortunately, I got injured on the first day and it set me back... I knew I wasn't going to get [regular football] at United so I made the decision to move. I didn't want to be stuck in the mud."
Since his move to Merseyside, Garner has become a established figure, making 103 appearances for the Toffees. Everton are in talks to extend his stay and hold an option to trigger a 12-month extension, complicating any potential deal for United.
If a move for Garner proves impossible, United have identified alternative targets including Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton and Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, although deals for those players are considered unlikely in the winter window.
