James Garner’s Everton performances make case for Manchester United return | OneFootball

There would be something quietly poetic about James Garner potentially returning to Manchester United.

The 25-year-old departed Old Trafford without ever being given a real opportunity to prove himself.

Based on Monday evening’s performance at Hill Dickinson Stadium – and his season overall – that now looks like one of the more short-sighted decisions United have made in recent years.

Everton drew 3-3 with Manchester City, with Garner providing the assist for Jake O’Brien’s goal to make it 2-1, a moment of composure and precision that typified his performance throughout.

Playing at the base of David Moyes’s midfield against one of the Premier League’s most technically accomplished sides, Garner was rarely second-best.

He won the ball cleanly, recycled possession intelligently and drove Everton forward at every opportunity.

He completed all of his passes in his own half, won all four of his tackle attempts and created one big chance.

That came as no surprise to people who have watched him consistently over the last couple of months.

Garner has not missed a league game for Everton this season. His 87 precent passing accuracy is the best in the squad, and he leads the team in interceptions per game (1.6) and tackles per game (3.2).

He made his first senior England cap in March, after which Thomas Tuchel labelled him a ‘mini Valverde’ for his quality in multiple facets of play.

The appeal for United is straightforward. Casemiro will depart when his contract expires.

The midfield requires substantial reinforcement, and while Elliot Anderson remains the primary target, genuinely high-quality alternatives are difficult to find.

Garner fits the profile precisely at a fraction of the cost of the marquee names being touted elsewhere.

However, he only just signed a new contract with Everton in January and is reportedly unwilling to return to United.