The truth behind Manchester United’s interest in academy graduate James Garner has now been revealed after reports linked with a move back to Old Trafford.
Manchester United are known to be looking at signing multiple midfielders in 2026, with one in the January window and another in the summer transfer window, as both Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte are likely to leave at the end of the season.
Carlos Baleba appeared the favourite to join Rúben Amorim’s side in the summer transfer window, although United were put off by Brighton and Hove Albion’s high demand for the Cameroon international.
While United remain interested in Baleba, it seems that Jason Wilcox is now considering other options after his poor start to the season. The 21-year-old was especially poor when his side visited Old Trafford and lost 4-2 at the hands of Matheus Cunha, Casemiro and Bryan Mbeumo.
The other alternatives that have been mentioned are Elliot Anderson, James Garner and Adam Wharton. While Wharton has now commented on his future as a Crystal Palace player, the other two Premier League midfielders haven’t given an official verdict.
Anderson is likely to cost United a high fee, although not as much as Baleba, Garner is available on a free transfer at the end of the season and could be a serious option for Amorim after leaving the club under Erik ten Hag.
Vivell gives fresh Garner verdict
While Wilcox is United’s new Director of Football, Christopher Vivell has remained at Old Trafford as a recruitment specialist. After strong links to Garner, Vivell has now given his verdict, as per TeamTalk sources.
Dean Jones – TeamTalk’s transfer insider – said: “Garner is having a good time of it recently, but in terms of actually joining Man Utd, I don’t think that moment is coming.
“The way the club are building and evolving would not really lead me to believe that they are looking into it too seriously.
“Of course, they have an awareness of his situation, and I can see why there would be speculation around it. I think you could even make a case that he would be very helpful for them at the moment.
“They do appreciate him and have always known of his potential, obviously. But Everton would like him to stay on, other clubs are watching on, and – given where Man Utd are heading transfer-wise in 2026 – I just don’t think there will be too much focus on it.”
The report goes on to state that Vivell has “no plans” to bring Garner back to Old Trafford, even if he is available on a free transfer.
United have made too many Garner-like mistakes recently
In recent years, United have sold so many promising academy talents who could’ve made a serious impact on the first-team, at the time of their sale and now.
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Garner could be starting alongside Bruno Fernandes or Kobbie Mainoo in central midfield under Amorim, or even playing at right-wing-back as he has done for England’s under-21s.
Alvaro Carreas – Real Madrid’s first-choice left-back now – was once in United’s academy, but was sold to Benfica for a very low fee. United had the option to bring him back in the summer, but chose otherwise, despite the need for a left-wing-back at Old Trafford.
Dean Henderson could’ve sold United’s goalkeeping problems years ago, but he was let go and is now shining in the Premier League.
United must handle their next wave of academy talent much better.
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