Manchester United are interested in bringing an Academy graduate back to Old Trafford after selling him for just £9 million under Erik ten Hag.
Manchester United’s academy has been crucial to the club throughout its illustrious history. There has been an academy graduate in every matchday squad since October 1937, despite difficult periods under several different managers.
However, under Erik ten Hag, fans became concerned that the youth was becoming less important at Old Trafford, and this has only continued since Rúben Amorim joined the club.
Kobbie Mainoo – one of the few academy players left in the first team after Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford’s summer transfers – has been left on the bench for the start of the season, with reports stating he wanted to leave on loan before the end of the summer transfer window.
In recent years, United have sold several promising academy talents that could’ve played an important role in the side, with Dean Henderson and Anthony Elanga shining in the Premier League.
To save the academy record and improve the squad, United appear to be interested in bringing former academy players back to the club. As well as improving the team, it could help reset the culture at Old Trafford.
United eyeing Garner move in 2026
James Garner left United in 2022 after a promising loan spell at Nottingham Forest in the Championship. Erik ten Hag sold the defensive midfielder for just £9 million to Everton, where he has since become a key player.
Now, Graeme Bailey (via United in Focus) has revealed that United are considering a move for the former academy player, as his contract expires at the end of this season.
Bailey said: “UIF understands that Manchester United are one of the clubs that have shown an interest in James Garner and would consider bringing the former Old Trafford academy star back to the club in 2026.
“Still only 24, Garner has nearly 200 first-team appearances under his belt, and he is enjoying a stand-out campaign under David Moyes.
“But Garner is out of contract at the end of the season, and they are now looking to tie him down to a new long-term deal with a number of clubs showing an interest.
“And one of those is United, who we are told recognise the talent and versatility that someone like Garner could bring to their squad.”
Garner would be a good addition to United
While he has featured as both a left-back and right-back this season, Garner plays his best football as a defensive midfielder, with tenacity and a good passing range.
His aggression and energy without the ball could make Garner the perfect partner for Bruno Fernandes or Kobbie Mainoo in Amorim’s double pivot, with Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte still struggling.
Read More: “Incredibly talented” Manchester United star set to return from injury in time for Liverpool clash
If Garner were to be the long-term partner for Mainoo, they could operate in a similar way to traditional midfielders at United, where one breaks into the box and one sits just outside.
Signing Garner on a free transfer is a no-brainer for United. He would fit the current system and be able to adapt to any future system, as a versatile footballer.
Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is streamed live every Thursday at 12:30 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.