James Garner outlines plans as he looks to break into Man United first-team

Manchester United Football Club has always been a hotbed of young talent. The Red Devils have always given youth a chance. Why change that?

Credit where it’s due, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has done his utmost to keep that mantra in place – and it feels like we’re heading in the right direction again.

From Marcus Rashford to Scott McTominay, and Brandon Williams to Mason Greenwood, this squad is being filled out with academy graduates. Another one of those looking to make their big breakthrough is James Garner.

The Englishman looked good on pre-season tour, and is way too impressive for PL2 football. He definitely deserves his opportunity. Back in April, we covered a story in which fellow Reds midfielder Fred named Garner as the most talented youngster at the club.

Now, a couple of months later, Garner has responded:

“It was very nice to hear it (praise from Fred),” Garner told the club website. “When you see that kind of stuff, it makes you smile but it also makes you want to get better to show him, and not just him but everyone, that they can have the same opinion.

“The main goal is to get into the first team and, really, I’ll take it from there. Each day, I’ll try to impress and eventually try to get into the team.”

It’s nice to see the classy 19-year-old outline his first-team plans as he tries to make a big breakthrough. For me, he’s definitely talented enough, but it’s about giving him that opportunity.

For whatever reason, we’ve seldom seen Garner given a real chance to prove his worth. Sure, he’s made a Europa League start, but that’s about it.

Going into the 2020/21 campaign, United have a decision to make. Either loan Garner out or let him show us all what he can do. He’s at that age where PL2 football has done all it can for Garner’s development. Now, he needs to take that next step.

Personally, I see him as someone who can step straight into the first-team and slot seamlessly into the squad ala Greenwood, and I genuinely do hope that next season, James Garner starts to get the recognition he duly deserves.