Juan Mata made James Garner prediction as Man Utd youngster loses his mentor

Although Manchester United struggled this season, their young midfielder James Garner had a campaign to remember on loan at Nottingham Forest.

The England youth international, 21, played 49 games in all competitions to help Steve Cooper's side win promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs - beating Huddersfield 1-0 in the final at Wembley. He is now poised to break into United's first team.

Few Red Devils fans saw Garner's rise coming, yet Juan Mata was aware of his quality. The veteran midfielder backed the youngster to become a success in an interview with United's website in November 2020, describing him as a 'clever' and 'positive' footballer.

"I’ve played with some top, top players," said Garner. "I have to say Juan Mata is class. Everything about him – his touch, his pass, how he speaks to you on and off the pitch – he’s just a real nice guy."

Responding to those comments, Mata said: "He is a good friend, that’s why he speaks so well of me! I always thought he is one of the players who, if he keeps going and keeps improving, in the way he was doing in the Academy, he can be a very, very good midfielder.

"I really like him; the way he plays on the ball, his cleverness, his way of looking forward, looking for a pass and also his attitude off the ball. So, whenever he was here, I always tried to encourage him and said what I believed he could be as a player.

"I always tried to motivate him and give him confidence as I think, when you’re that age, you need confidence and trust - not only from the manager but also from your team-mates. I wish him all the best at Watford and I am sure he will do well. He’s a great guy and a very good player, as I’ve said before, because he keeps improving every day."

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