James Garner is one academy graduate who has greatly impressed both Manchester United and its fans during his 18 months on loan at Nottingham Forest.
After initially being loaned to Watford at the beginning of the 2020/21 season, Garner did not get much of a look in at the Hornets and promptly switched loan clubs in January of that season.
After a successful second half of the season at Forest, he went back on loan to the club for the entire of the 2021/22 campaign and played a total of 49 times across the season, scoring 4 and assisting 10 as Forest saw themselves promoted to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs.
Advert
He did not feature much on tour due to injury, however did recover in time to come on as a substitute against Aston Villa.
The last 18 months will have been brilliant experience for the young midfielder, and he agrees.
“I had a really good season last season - full of confidence, full of experience,” explained Garner. “The experience I didn't have, I feel that now I do have.
Advert
“I played in some big pressure games and I just think it's a new and improved me. It was almost as perfect a loan experience that I could possibly have had.
“I played pretty much every single game, played well and ended up winning promotion. For me, it's probably the perfect loan.
“However, for me now because I've played two seasons back-to-back, where I've been playing games non-stop, I don't really want to stop that.”
Garner makes it clear that he wants to continue playing consistent football, as that is the best way he can continue developing his match-based skills outside of training.
Advert
“I want to play week in, week out. That is of course what I want to do,” proclaimed the Englishman.
“I'm not too sure but pre-season has been good so far and, like I said, hopefully in the next two, three weeks - we've still got games left - I can show what I can do.”
James Garner, is not just from the United academy, but he himself is a huge Manchester United fan.
Advert
“I want to play for United,” Garner said. “Of course that's obviously my aim.”
However, although this is his ultimate goal, he still values playing regular football over donning the Manchester United jersey.
“But I feel like if I'm not going to be playing as regularly as I would like to then I'm definitely open to going back on loan to a Premier League side.”
This is a smart move from the young player, as vital Premier League experience now will give him a much higher chance of making it in the Manchester United squad once he is older, as he will have been able to put over 100 games worth of experience in English football under his belt.
Advert
Garner does believe he has proven he can “definitely play in the Premier League and hopefully that is with United”, and he is confident that he can adapt himself into Erik ten Hag’s system.
“I feel like I'm a midfielder that can do pretty much everything,” he proclaimed. “I feel like I can play in the six or eight role.
“Last season I played in the 10 role as well - I'm not saying that's what I prefer, but I'm saying I can play in that position if needed - so I feel like I offer everything that a midfielder would need.
“I feel like I do have the qualities to play in either the six or eight role. I think they would only benefit me as a player.”
The chances of Garner heading back to Forest for a third consecutive season are slim, as fellow academy graduate and Englishman Dean Henderson will spend the season on loan there.
Former Red Jesse Lingard has signed a single season deal with Nottingham Forest after leaving Manchester United on a free contract earlier this summer.
Topics: Manchester United, James Garner, Erik Ten Hag, Premier League, Nottingham Forest
Dylan Penketh