The somewhat unexpected deadline-day trade of James Garner from Manchester United to Everton has been addressed, and it appears that Erik ten Hag’s fears were the deciding factor.
On deadline day, the 21-year-old midfielder broke his long affiliation with the Red Devils to join the Toffees. He joins Goodison Park on a four-year contract for an undisclosed cost in the region of £15 million.
Indeed, Garner has already made his impact at Everton, demonstrating why his energy and desire will benefit Frank Lampard’s team.
The player’s move to Everton, on the other hand, raised a few eyebrows. Garner was looking to impress at United under Ten Hag after a great season on loan with Nottingham Forest. That was undoubtedly the first impression the Dutchman had of the young players at his disposal.
However, a pre-season injury proved to be harmful to his hopes. With his prospects of impressing dwindling, Ten Hag took the decision to sell Garner.
According to The Athletic, Ten Hag was the driving reason for the deal. He apparently decided that Garner did not have what it takes to thrive at United after watching film footage of him for United’s Under-23s and Forest.
Furthermore, the signings of Casemiro and, to a lesser extent, Antony proved to be the clincher.
As a result, Ten Hag informed United officials that Garner was free to depart. To that aim, John Murtough set out in the last days of the window to sell the 21-year-old for as much as possible.
In comparison to David Beckham, James Garner
There is widespread agreement that United’s loss will be very much Everton’s benefit.
After proving his fitness, the player hopes to make his Toffees debut in the coming weeks.
Lampard will also seek to get the most out of Garner, having laid out his expectations for the player.
The midfielder will now look to establish himself as a regular in Everton’s engine room.
And pundit Trevor Sinclair compares the new Toffeesman to David Beckham. “James Garner’s deliveries remind me of David Beckham’s,” he said on talkSPORT.
“He’s got that dip and whip, and it causes so many issues.” He’s always putting it on a six-pence with his pace on the ball.
“The attackers have the advantage since they know where he’s shooting based on the signal he gives. He has an extremely fantastic cross in his arsenal.”
