James Garner: Villa Park display that ought to have United eyeing a bargain swoop | OneFootball

That James Garner performance against Aston Villa should have made it abundantly clear: he belongs back home at Manchester United. Having come through the ranks at United, the expectation was that the midfielder would eventually establish himself at Old Trafford.

Bruno Fernandes, for one, was desperate to play alongside him. Garner’s potential was obvious, and Fernandes openly hinted he was blown away by the youngster’s ability.

When asked which academy player he most looked forward to playing with sometime back, the United skipper did not hesitate; his answer was Garner.

Nevertheless, the midfielder was ultimately sacrificed. United sanctioned a £15 million move to Everton, sending the Mancunian away from Old Trafford and across to Goodison Park in the summer of 2022.

Initially, he struggled to make an impact with the Toffees. Yet he kept grafting, chiselling away at his game, determined to prove he was built for the Premier League. In time, that persistence paid off.

Now, Garner is arguably one of the finest midfielders in the division. According to WhoScored, only Fernandes, Declan Rice, and Bruno Guimarães have statistically enjoyed stronger campaigns this term.

Masterclass at Villa park

Against Aston Villa, as Everton eked out a narrow but vital 1–0 win, Garner delivered a masterclass. It was as if he stepped onto Villa Park and decided he was prime N’Golo Kanté.

The 24‑year‑old covered every blade of grass, showcasing just how tidy and intelligent a player he has become.

James Garner: Game by Numbers vs. Aston Villa (as per Statman Dave)

Impressively, he also won possession 14 times; only Curtis Jones has won more in a single match this season, with 15. Notably, Garner registered 29 defensive contributions, the most by any Premier League player in a single game this season.

Garner ticks all the boxes for what United need in midfield. His numbers underline how perfectly he could plug the club’s frailties and insulate their backline.

Is there any more obvious signing for Manchester United than James Garner?

There is no doubt: Garner is a player United should move heaven and earth to bring back, especially with the possibility of a free transfer this summer. INEOS must make their intentions crystal clear, promising him a central role in the club’s plans.

With his deal expiring in June, he could well be tempted to snub fresh terms at Goodison Park and make a sensational return to Manchester.

It is frustrating that United once had him in their academy, let him go without a buy‑back clause, and now find themselves willing to spend £100 million on players of his profile.

That said, if Garner were to return, he would save the 20-time English champions millions in transfer fees. INEOS would then only need to pull off one marquee midfield signing, whether Carlos Baleba or Elliot Anderson, to ensure the club’s midfield struggles become a thing of the past.

Featured image Alex Livesey via Getty Images

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