Yesterday, James Garner completed a permanent transfer away from Man United to Everton. A deal the Red Devils will come to regret…
Manchester United’s squad was always in need of major overhaul this summer. So many players have left on free transfers. Others have been sold. More have left on loan.
Erik ten Hag’s plan is clear; acquire players who fit the system, with the Dutchman surrounding himself with familiarity.
For the most part, the transfer business has been excellent. United have moved on from unhappy players and brought in guys like Antony who look absolutely thrilled to be here.
However, one man I’m gutted the club have let go is James Garner.
The Englishman has joined Everton on a permanent deal. I’ll be honest, I’m gutted.
Garner, a long-time academy member here at the Theatre of Dreams, has been sold in a deal potentially rising to £15m, with about £9m up front.
What’s most disappointing to me is the fact that United have no buyback clause as initially reported. Instead, the Reds have a 20% sell-on clause.
Garner, who enjoyed great success at Nottingham Forest last season, was expected to compete for a first-team place at Old Trafford this term.
After barely featuring on pre-season tour, coupled with zero minutes since the serious stuff started a few weeks ago, United have decided to cash in.
So why is United letting the 21-year-old leave a mistake? Well, first and foremost, the club are still pretty thin in his position.
Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Fred and Scott McTominay. That’s it. They’re the only options in that deeper-lying midfield role. If one or two of those guys get injured, Garner would have slotted right in.
You also think that Garner would have been given plenty of minutes in the Europa League (which starts up next week) and the cup competitions. I just don’t get it.
In the interest of honesty, what I’ve seen from Garner is better than the likes of both McTominay and Fred. Their styles are similar; work hard, keep it simple and defend with diligence. Garner absolutely ticks all those boxes, while the former pair of players often blow hot and cold.
I don’t doubt that Garner is happy for the move. He just wants to play football. Everton will hopefully give him that chance, because at his age, it’s what he deserves.
The situation I can absolutely envision happening is Garner plays brilliantly for a year or two, before a bigger club makes their move for the Englishman. Perhaps even United could go back in for Jimmy, while playing a bucketload of cash to bring him back home.
Sadly, this is just another indication of the way the club is being run right now. Poor business yet again. Garner’s deal should have included a buyback clause at the very least. Heck, why not just loan him to Everton for a season? That would have certainly increased his value if he’d have done well.
Anyway, all the best Jimmy! I hope you tear it up
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