James Garner: Everton midfielder no longer stuck in the mud at Manchester United and thriving at Goodison Park

James Garner joined Manchester United's youth system aged just eight but he made just seven senior appearances while at Old Trafford; Watch Everton vs Manchester United live on Sky Sports Premier League this Sunday from 4pm; kick-off 4.30pm

@Ben_Islington

Thursday 23 November 2023 17:45, UK

Everton midfielder James Garner felt he had no choice but to leave Manchester United last season to avoid being «stuck in the mud».

Super Sunday sees Sean Dyche's side in action for the first time since they were slapped with a 10-point penalty for breaching the Premier League's profitability and sustainability rules — a punishment they intend to appeal against.

Their severe treatment has stoked the fires at Goodison Park and Manchester United, who have lost nine of their opening 17 games in all competitions, might face a backlash.

Garner, who has been capped by England at every level from U17s to U21s, spent loans at both Watford and Nottingham Forest in the hope it would lead to becoming a first-team regular at United.

But with Everton now second-bottom in the table, the player is ready to take the fight to his former club, live on Sky Sports.

In an interview with the BBC earlier this season, the 22-year-old reflected: «When I came back to United, 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.

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«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.

»I knew I wasn't going to get that