Xavi Simons and Wayne Rooney recently discussed the talents and qualities of former Manchester United midfielder James Garner.
Manchester United are expected to sign two midfielders in 2026, with one arriving in January and another in the summer, as both Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte are likely to leave at the end of the season.
Carlos Baleba had been viewed as the leading candidate to join Rúben Amorim’s side in the summer, but United were discouraged by Brighton and Hove Albion’s high valuation of the Cameroon international.
Although United are still interested in Baleba, several reports suggest the club will look to bring in two midfielders this summer.
Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson are also on the shortlist as premium options alongside Baleba, while Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes has also been linked.
Simons and Rooney agree about Garner’s qualities
With United hunting for new squad midfield options, some have questioned why the club let Academy talent James Garner leave in 2022, selling him to Everton for a £9 million fee that could rise to around £15 million with add-ons.
United legend Wayne Rooney has his own show with BBC Sport these days, and visited the Tottenham training ground. While there, he met new signing Xavi Simons, and the two struck up a conversation about Garner.
“The one that surprised me was, I guess, Everton, was… I knew him because of the youth teams he played in Manchester United, James Garner,” Simons told The Wayne Rooney Show.
“I knew from the… he’s older than me, but I knew [him]. Now, when I played against him, I felt like, ‘Okay, technical with the ball, I think he’s really, really good.’”
Rooney then echoed the Dutchman’s statements, revealing he tried to sign Garner on loan while manager of Derby County.
“Yeah, I tried to sign him when I was coach at Derby County when he signed for our rival team Nottingham Forest [on loan from United],” Rooney replied. “I tried to get him on loan.
“But he’s been playing right-back as well. Yeah, but he’s a good player.”
United not going back in for Garner this summer
The Englishman has made 101 appearances for Everton since he arrived in 2022 and has become an established Premier League player. With his current contract set to expire next summer, some have suggested that United could snap him up for free in 2026.
However, transfer journalist Dean Jones has poured cold water on the chances of a sensational return for Garner. “Garner is having a good time of it recently, but in terms of actually joining Man United, I don’t think that moment is coming,” Jones said last month.
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“The way the club are building and evolving would not really lead me to believe that they are looking into it too seriously.
“Of course, they have an awareness of his situation, and I can see why there would be speculation around it. I think you could even make a case that he would be very helpful for them at the moment.
“They do appreciate him and have always known of his potential, obviously. But Everton would like him to stay on, other clubs are watching on, and – given where Man United are heading transfer-wise in 2026 – I just don’t think there will be too much focus on it.”
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