Garner’s ready to Hag-gle
JAMES GARNER is hoping to convince new Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag that his future lies at Old Trafford in next month’s pre-season campaign.
The midfielder ended last season helping Nottingham Forest win promotion while on loan at the City Ground and followed that effort with a role in securing England Under-21s’ qualification for next summer’s Euros.
But now, with a new manager to impress, the 21-year-old is ready to try and establish himself in Ten Hag’s rejuvenated United squad.
Garner said: “That’s the plan.
“That’s what I’d like to do – go on pre-season and impress, it’s all up to me, really.
“It’s down to me as a player to impress him and hopefully make a mark.
“I’ve not had much time to think.
“I’ve gone from Championship football straight to international football. I’ve not really had a breather.
“I’ve not spoken to him yet. I literally came from the play-off final straight to England.”
That meeting with Ten Hag (inset) looks certain to centre on whether or not the Dutchman believes Garner is ready to challenge for a first-team place or needs to spend another season on loan.
But after facing question marks over his physical strength earlier in his career, Garner believes that a season of Championship football has proved his maturity.
He added: “I think I’ve come on leaps and bounds this season.
“I played a lot of games, 50-plus now, so I’ve developed a lot physically, which was the question asked of me.
“I think I’ve shown I’m physically ready to play.
“I just feel like, before I went on loan, there were questions of, ‘Am I physically ready to compete, to play first-team football?’ I believe I’ve shown that this season. I’ve held my own in a tough league.”