Man Utd’s talks over James Garner recall after Nottingham Forest beat Leicester

Man United: Garner scores incredible goal during U23 clash

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Manchester United held internal talks about recalling James Garner during the January transfer window, according to reports. The midfielder is currently on loan at Championship side Nottingham Forest. And he impressed on Sunday as Leicester were beaten 4-1 in their FA Cup showdown.

Manchester United decided to loan Garner out for the second season in a row.

The 20-year-old spent last term with Forest and the decision was made that another year with the Championship side would be good for his development.

Garner has developed into a fine player at Forest and, on Sunday, impressed as his side battered Leicester 4-1 in their FA Cup fourth round showdown.

Philip Zinckernagel, Brennan Johnson, Joe Worrall and Djed Spence were all on target in the victory at the City Ground.

Now, the Manchester Evening News say United held talks about recalling Garner back in January.

Yet they ultimately opted against bringing him back to Old Trafford, instead letting him continue to turn out for the Championship side.

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Sources close to Garner are said to be ‘optimistic’ his fine form for Forest could secure him a first-team squad role at United next term.

Upheaval in midfield is expected at Old Trafford, with the futures of Donny van de Beek and Paul Pogba currently up in the air.

Nemanja Matic is another player who may depart, with the Serbia international due to turn 34 in August.

United are planning to add at least one midfielder to their squad. Declan Rice, of West Ham, is mentioned as being the club’s top target.

However, any deal for the England star won’t come cheap with David Moyes indicating they’ll need ‘humongous’ money to let the player go.

Garner made his United debut back in March 2019 against Crystal Palace.

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He’s not played for his parent club since December 2019, however, having previously had a loan spell at Watford.

Martin Keown thinks United would be wise to recall Garner in the wake of his performance for Forest against Leicester.

“Again, set-piece, the ball in from Garner is an absolute beauty,” he said on commentary during the match.

“Look at the whip on that.

“You can’t underestimate the quality that Garner is putting into this box.

“He’s on loan from Manchester United. They need to be thinking about getting him back there quickly!”

When asked if United should be encouraged by Garner’s display, the former Arsenal star then added: “I do.

“I like the way he’s developing, growing as a player.

“Second year here on loan, you can see the development. He’s certainly playing with a lot more confidence right now.”

Forest boss Steve Cooper, meanwhile, was jubilant after his side’s swashbuckling victory over Brendan Rodgers’ team.

“The supporters are amazing,” said Cooper.

“Okay, the BBC are here and there’s more people watching. But the reality is it’s like this all the time when we play well. It’s not new to us.

“There was a bit more on it, with it being a local rivalry and that sort of stuff.

“But the better the connection between the supporters and the players, the stronger we can be as a club. Days like today can help that.

“I’m proud of the team and proud of the club. But if we want to be a real proper team with a real winning mentality, then we have to get ready for the next game. That’s the only thing I’m thinking about.

“I talked to the players about it being Leicester and about there being a bit of a rivalry. It matters. It matters.

“This is a huge club with great tradition and history, and a global fanbase. There’s a lot of people wanting the team to do well – never more so than against a local rival.

“It’s important they always understand the context to a game, but then focus on what it takes to win. We did that really well.”

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