Erik ten Hag might copy Solskjaer loan trick to seal James Garner's Manchester United future

Manchester United weren't in action, which is probably why last weekend was one of the most enjoyable that supporters have had all season. A week that started with the official unveiling of Erik ten Hag ended with the old enemy, Liverpool, losing in the Champions League final and a product of United's youth academy, James Garner, playing a pivotal role in Nottingham Forest's return to the top-flight.

The 21-year-old was a key contributor to Forest’s remarkable rise to promotion under Steve Cooper, scoring four goals and notching eight assists in the Championship, before setting up their precious winner at Wembley. Anyone who has watched Garner play this season will have no doubts about the enormous potential he possesses — and perhaps the only question is just who he will be playing for next season.

The Manchester Evening News revealed this week that Ten Hag will watch Garner first-hand before deciding on the midfielder's immediate future, with Forest unsurprisingly keen on re-signing him on loan next season.

READ MORE: Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag to wait before making James Garner decision

Garner is almost certain to play in the Premier League next season, whether that is at United, Forest or even another side. Leicester, Southampton and Leeds have all been credited with an interest in him just this week. The harsh truth is that even if the Birkenhead-born midfielder manages to impress Ten Hag in pre-season this summer, it still seems highly unlikely he will go straight into the United first team.

Garner is exceptionally gifted as a technical player, but he could suffer from being thrown straight into the physical demands of the Premier League, particularly at a club as severely scrutinised as United.

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