Man United Face Awkward Kobbie Mainoo Conversation If They Sign James Garner

Manchester United could face an awkward conversation involving Kobbie Mainoo if they bring James Garner back to Old Trafford.

United are on the lookout for a new midfield player in the January window, with Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson reportedly two of their top targets for the position.

The Red Devils already have a talented player in the position on their books in Mainoo, whose development has stunted massively and he appears unfancied by Ruben Amorim.

An injury crisis has meant United have recalled midfielder Toby Collyer from a loan move at West Brom but fresh reports claim the club are considering bringing back Garner, who joined the club's youth ranks at under 8 level.

Garner progressed in the youth set-up at United and went on to make his debut against Crystal Palace aged 17 in 2019.

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He played a further six times in the 2019/20 campaign before playing in the Championship with Watford and Nottingham Forest - impressing for the latter in two consecutive seasons as they secured promotion to the top flight in 2023.

Much to the frustration of many United fans, Garner completed a £9 million move to Everton and has played over 100 times for the Toffees in all competitions.

Everton's Garner is on the radar of former club United. Image: Getty

Man United eyeing up shock move

However, according to the Daily Mail, United are exploring the possibility of re-signing Garner in a cut-price January move.

The 24-year-old, who is in the final six months of his Everton deal but with the option of a 12-month extension, is seen as a cheaper alternative.

He is in contract negotiations with the Merseyside outfit, who are keen to sort out the situation and tie him down.

The same report notes that having been frustrated by a lack of minutes, Mainoo is keen on joining Napoli, where Scott McTominay has thrived since signing in 2024.

Coincidentally, both Mainoo and Garner have the same squad number and the England international inherited it at United following on from the latter's 2022 permanent departure.

Mainoo is reportedly looking to leave United on loan. Image: Getty

Mainoo debuted wearing the No.73 before reversing it and taking the No.37, which Garner also wore at Nottingham Forest during his loan.

With a shortage of options in midfield, Amorim utilised Lisandro Martinez in the position in the 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa - while he also handed a debut to Jack Fletcher.

"It's going to be hard for someone to leave the club if we don't get a substitution," Amorim said on the likelihood of departures in his latest press conference.

"We are short. Even with the full squad we are short for something that can happen.

"We are a club with a big responsibility."