Manchester United are reportedly considering a surprise move to bring former academy star James Garner back to Old Trafford during the January transfer window. The midfielder, who left the club in 2022, could return as manager Ruben Amorim seeks to address a deepening injury crisis in his squad.
From Carrington to Goodison: Garner's United Journey
James Garner joined Manchester United's famed academy at the tender age of eight, rising through the ranks with the dream of becoming a first-team regular. However, despite his long association with the club, he managed just seven senior appearances before his departure. After a successful loan spell at Nottingham Forest, many fans hoped he would be given a chance by then-manager Erik ten Hag.
Instead, on the final day of the summer 2022 transfer window, United sanctioned his sale to Everton for a fee of £15 million. The decision was met with frustration from sections of the support who believed the homegrown talent deserved more opportunity.
A Midfield Crisis Sparks January Interest
According to reports, United's interest in a reunion has been sparked by a severe shortage of options in the centre of the park. Injuries to key players like Kobbie Mainoo and captain Bruno Fernandes have left Amorim desperately short. The situation became so acute that the manager was forced to deploy 18-year-old Jack Fletcher for 45 minutes against Newcastle and even pushed defender Lisandro Martinez into midfield at Aston Villa.
With questions also surrounding the long-term futures of Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte, United see the 24-year-old Garner as a potential cut-price solution. The box-to-box midfielder is now in the final six months of his Everton contract, though the Toffees hold an option to extend it by a further year and are in talks over a new deal.
"Stuck in the Mud": Why Garner Chose to Leave
Garner has previously opened up about his difficult decision to leave one of the world's biggest clubs. Speaking to BBC Sport, he explained that after two seasons of men's football on loan, he needed to be part of a team where he could play regularly.
"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... It was a decision where I wanted to be part of a team and squad, ideally starting too. I knew I wasn’t going to get that at United."
He added, "I didn’t want to be stuck in the mud, I needed to make a decision to leave one of the best clubs in the world, which was hard, but it is one I am happy I made." Since joining Everton, Garner has made 103 appearances, establishing himself as a Premier League regular.
If a deal for Garner cannot be agreed, United are said to be monitoring other midfield targets including Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton and Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, though moves for those players are considered unlikely this month. The coming weeks will reveal if James Garner's footballing journey is set for a remarkable return to its starting point.
