- Nicky Butt wants James Garner back at Manchester United
- Everton midfielder is impressing this season
- Red Devils in market for new midfielder
James Garner left Manchester United in 2022 with just a handful of first-team appearances to his name. Three years later, the 25-year-old has established himself as an undisputed starter at Everton, earned his first England cap, and caught the attention of his former club.
Nicky Butt, who helped oversee Garner’s development during his time running United’s youth setup, has watched the midfielder’s rise at Goodison Park with keen interest. He believes he could be the answer for the Old Trafford giants.
Garner has registered nine goal contributions in 34 appearances this season and helped push Everton towards a European place. He has also been labelled the Three Lions’ “mini [Federico] Valverde” by Thomas Tuchel due to his versatility and high-intensity performances.
Butt: Garner Plays Under Pressure Every Week
Butt made his feelings clear during a recent interview. He insisted there isn’t any reason a reunion shouldn’t be on the cards (via TEAMtalk):
“I don’t see why he couldn’t be back at United.”
He added:
“He’s performing well, he’s playing for a big club with a big expectation with their crowd. Obviously they’re not expected to go and win the Premier League but they’re expected to win and they’ve got passionate support. So he plays under pressure every week, he knows Man United and yeah, he’s doing amazingly well now.”
The former midfielder, who won six Premier League titles at Old Trafford, added that Garner has developed significantly since leaving:
“At the time Jimmy wasn’t at the level to burst into United and play regularly. It wasn’t working so quite rightly he moved on and kick-started his career.”
Butt also compared Garner’s mentality to his own playing style:
“Jimmy is a bit like the player I was. Not the most talented but his drive and desire to get to the top is up there with anybody I’ve seen.”
Garner made seven appearances for United, posting one assist. He broke through the youth academy but couldn’t quite make it at senior level.
Is a Deal Possible?
Despite his admiration, Butt struck a cautious note about an immediate reunion. “He’s got to do it again next season,” Butt said. “It’s a bit soon to go and pay big money for him now, but I’m confident he can go and do it.” Garner recently signed a new contract at Everton until 2030.
With Casemiro set to leave United on a free transfer this summer, the Reds are prioritising midfield reinforcements. But Butt believes Garner has already done enough to secure a place at the World Cup, regardless of whether a move materialises.
“Jimmy Garner has done himself a massive, massive favour playing how he played,” Butt added. “He’s been phenomenal this season. He’s got it all; he can pass through the lines, he can defend, he can tackle, and he can sprint. He’s like a poorer man’s version of Gerrard. Not as good as Gerrard, but he’s in that mould, he can do everything as a modern-day midfielder. He will definitely be going [to the World Cup] after that, he’s got his ticket on the plane.”
For now, Garner remains an Everton player. But with United needing homegrown, Premier League-proven options, and Butt’s endorsement carrying weight among the fanbase, a return to Manchester might not be as far-fetched as it once seemed.
