Manchester United tour diary: James Garner's limited chance to impress

Cristiano Ronaldo may be the most notable absentee from Manchester United’s preseason tour but there is another player, missing until now, whom fans will be desperate to see. 

James Garner is finally due to return to training on Monday after an injury the England Under-21 midfielder picked up on the first day of the tour prevented him from playing in either of the wins against Liverpool and Melbourne Victory.

It has been a particular disappointment for Erik ten Hag, who has been keen to assess Garner’s credentials at close quarters before deciding whether he should stay with the squad for next season or again be loaned out.

A loan, and a return to Nottingham Forest where he played an instrumental role in helping the club win promotion to the Premier League, seems the most likely scenario but Garner is hoping to make the most of the last week in Australia.

United are reluctant to bring Garner back if it means him just warming the bench and want to ensure that, whatever materialises next season, he is in a position where he is getting regular game time.

Tuesday’s game with Crystal Palace at the MCG may come too soon for the 21-year-old but, barring any fitness complications, he should feature against Aston Villa in Perth on Saturday.

“Unfortunately I picked up a little injury on the first day which has set me back until now,” Garner explained. “I’ve been in the gym and I’m back training from Monday so hopefully I’ll get a chance to play. 

“Australia has good memories for me. Last time I was here [on the 2019 preseason tour] I ended up scoring so if I get my chance when we go to Perth and I’m playing hopefully I can get another goal.”

Ten Hag has identified Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong as his leading transfer target and the