Manchester United Academy graduate James Garner has been put up for sale despite the club’s midfield crisis.
The England Under-21 international has been deemed surplus, according to the Manchester Evening News, and could permanently leave the club he first joined in 2009.
Garner, 21, has spent the past two seasons on loan at Nottingham Forest and has been crucial as they secured a return to the Premier League after a 23-year absence.
Returning to Old Trafford in the summer, new manager Erik ten Hag didn’t seem too impressed with the youngster, only rewarding him with 22 minutes in pre-season.
The club are reportedly valuing the midfielder at £15m-20m with his contract expiring in 2024. Forest are reportedly interested in a return, while Tottenham are also linked.
The news comes amid fierce criticism for the Red Devils’ current central midfield options Scott McTominay and Fred, with the likes of club legend Paul Scholes in the duo.
“Scott McTominay was still trying to run the ball, ridiculous,” Scholes said after the Brighton loss. “The quality in midfield was really poor.
“The quality in midfield was far from sufficient, but we have seen that in recent years with these two players.
“With Fred and McTominay, he [Ten Hag] going to have to go with only one of them, but even one of them is probably too much.
“Fred gives the ball away all the time and McTominay tries to run the ball all the time and then gives it away. Pass it on to your best players! It’s not that difficult. It’s criminal on a day like today.
Even Ten Hag himself couldn’t trust the pair, tearing them apart after a 2-1 loss to Brighton, then starting Fred in the 4-0 loss to Brentford, only to replace him with McTominay at halftime. time. time.
The Scot then had an embarrassing wayward pass after entering the pitch, but United managed to stop the rot after conceding all four goals in the opening 35 minutes.
The decision is made all the more surprising by United’s inability to sign a central midfielder this summer, with long-term target Frenkie de Jong set to stay at Barcelona or join Chelsea.
The Dutchman was signed up for Barca’s LaLiga campaign, despite his seemingly unwanted high salary, and came on as a second-half substitute in a 0-0 draw against Rayo Vallecano on Matchday 1.
Ten Hag was only able to bring in Christian Eriksen to add to his midfield options, joining on a free transfer after leaving Brentford, but the Dane is a much more attacking player than Garner, McTominay and Fred.
Offer of the day
ALL CUSTOMERS: Bet £5 via the talkSPORT EDGE app with Paddy Power and get a £5 free bet – available to all customers* – CLAIM HERE
NEW CUSTOMERS: Bet £10 with Bet365, get £50 free bets* – CLAIM HERE
Paddy Power All Customers: Place a bet on £5 Sportsbook via the talkSPORT EDGE app between 1st and 31st August. Get a €5 free bet on the Monday following your qualifying bet. Terms and conditions apply. 18+ Begambleaware.org
Bet365: account opening offer. Bet €10 and get €50 free bets for new customers at bet365. Minimum deposit requirement. Free bets are paid out as bet credits and can be used when settling qualifying bets. Minimum odds, betting and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude wagering bet credits. Deadlines and terms and conditions apply 18+ Begambleaware.org
SEE ALL FREE BET OFFERS FOR NEW AND EXISTING CUSTOMERS HERE