"We have great faith in him as the next Michael Carrick," said Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2019. "I know he’s young and it’s not fair on kids to compare them to great players like Michael was, but he’s in the same mould."
It was a comment that made people stand up and take notice. Solskjaer, who played alongside Carrick during the latter stages of his time at Old Trafford, was convinced by what he'd seen in a relatively short space of time.
“He can see the game, he plays simple passes. He sees through the lines, like Scott McTominay did tonight," the Norwegian added. “Michael had pressure coming in after Roy Keane. So it’s just the way it is at.”
After coming off the bench to make his much-anticipated Manchester United debut against Crystal Palace in February 2019, the highly-rated James Garner appeared destined for the top given Solskjaer's words of praise.
Advert
In fact, the former United manager promised there would be "more chances for Jimmy" in the future, with a Premier League clash against Southampton on the horizon.
But after making just seven first-team appearances for United following loan spells at Watford and Nottingham Forest, the midfielder joined Everton in September 2022 for a reported £15 million.
It was a decision that left United's fan base divided.
Some were open to the sale, with £15 million being a relatively decent price considering their lack of sales over the years. Others were appalled by his lack of first-team opportunities.
Speaking in an interview with the BBC in 2023, Garner opened up on his Old Trafford departure.
"When I came back to United [after Nottingham Forest loan], I felt like I had a good enough season to have a shot. But unfortunately I got injured on the first day and it set me back two or three weeks, so the manager did not get to see me in training and games.
"It was a decision where - after having two seasons in men's football - I wanted to be part of a team and squad, ideally starting too."
Garner added: "I knew I wasn't going to get that at United so I made the decision to move here. I could have gone on loan again and come back but I felt I would have been in the exact same position I was then.
"I didn't want to be stuck in the mud, I needed to make a decision to leave one of the best clubs in the world, which was hard, but it is one I am happy I made."
After making his much-anticipated comeback in January following a lengthy spell on the sidelines, Garner has impressed of late under new Everton manager David Moyes.
Thoughts on the midfielder's departure from Manchester United in 2022? Let us know in the comments.
Topics: Premier League, Manchester United, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Jack Kenmare