Manchester United are considering making a surprise signing of a former midfielder in January to strengthen Ruben Amorim’s squad, according to reports. The Red Devils are looking to strengthen their options in the middle of the pitch, given the short-term lack of fit and availability of senior players, as well as concerns over the long-term futures of Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro and Koby Mainu. The Daily Mail reports that Everton’s James Garner has been floated as an option for United in the winter window, as his contract on Merseyside expires next summer.
Garner left United in September 2022 when Erik ten Hag was manager, joining the Toffees for £15m. Since then, he has made over 100 appearances for the club. The 24-year-old, who left Old Trafford after just two Premier League appearances for United, is seen as an affordable option given his contract situation. And United bosses have ramped up discussions in recent weeks about signing the midfielder in January.
United are also believed to be keen on signing Elliott Anderson from Nottingham Forest in the summer. However, Garner’s mid-season move would not preclude England’s World Cup contenders from earning big money in six months’ time.
Everton are in ongoing talks with Garner’s camp to retain him. The Toffees have an option to extend his current contract by a further 12 months, but are keen to agree an extension. There has been no significant progress in these talks, so United are hopeful of poaching him.
United’s planned midfield rebuild was initially seen as a priority for the summer, but the club’s board is optimistic that Garner, who joined at under-eight level, could provide an opportunity to speed up the process to some extent.
Amorim has already hinted at reinforcements next month, saying: “We have space for more players, but it’s very important for the club to have a plan and we need to bring in the players we know. It’s difficult to be sure that everything will work out, but we need to be sure of the players (we bring in). If we’re not sure, it’s better not to bring in anyone and work with the players we have. That’s clear to me.”
Amorim lack midfield options due to a rare injury to captain Fernandes. At Aston Villa, Lisandro Martinez will be deployed alongside Manuel Ugarte after the captain was sent off at half-time. Ugarte was then replaced in the second half by academy product and debutant Jack Fletcher.
And if United can sign a deal with Everton in January to bring the player back to Manchester, Garner will remain in the squad.
“I haven’t really thought about it too much,” Garner told reporters earlier this month about his future. “No, I’m just preparing a little bit week by week. I can’t think too far ahead.”
“So, week in and week out, I try to get better as a player and help the team as much as I can. Of course, we’ve improved by leaps and bounds since we first joined the club, so we’re definitely moving in the right direction.”
