Manchester United are overhauling their midfield this summer and a player with the same profile of Michael Carrick would be a perfect signing.
A long-term replacement for Casemiro is the top priority for Manchester United’s transfer plan in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Michael Carrick could yet have his input on the transfer plans if Ineos decide to hire him as the permanent head coach this summer.
United have several midfield targets on their radar, one of which is Carrington graduate James Garner, who has been impressing at Everton.
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James Garner was considered ‘the next Michael Carrick’
During his time at Carrington, Garner was one of the brightest prospects in the academy.
Former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer once compared Garner to current interim boss Carrick because of his style of play.
As quoted by the MEN, Solskjaer said: “He [Garner] knows we believe in him, we’ve got great faith in him as the next Michael Carrick. I know he’s young and I know it’s not fair on kids to compare to great players like Michael was, but he’s the same mould, he plays simple passes, plays through the lines.”
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Carrick used to mentor Garner during their time together at United, and he could bring the 25-year-old back to Old Trafford to reignite their partnership together this summer.
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In hindsight, selling Garner to Everton was a mistake made by United, as he has developed into a Premier League star on Merseyside.
United sold Garner for £15m, but now his value has likely quadrupled ahead of the summer transfer window.
Ineos have had success shopping from within the Premier League, and Garner not only has top-flight experience, but he also has United DNA from his time in the academy.
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United are expected to sign multiple midfielders this summer and Garner is certainly a top option, especially if Carrick remains in charge of the Red Devils.
At 25 years old, he is just entering his prime years and United could make sure they are spent at Old Trafford.
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