James Garner.

Can Garner play against United in the FA Cup?

Thursday 07 January 2021 07:00

Manchester United play Watford in the third round of the Emirates FA Cup at Old Trafford on Saturday.

The pairing with the Championship promotion-contenders has sparked one question among supporters - can James Garner play in the game at Old Trafford?

Our Academy product joined the Hornets on loan for the season and has made his mark at Vicarage Road.

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Although the 19-year-old would probably have loved to be involved against his parent club, the rules forbid him from being selected.

There is a rule that stipulates: 'The [Football] Association will not give permission for players on loan or work experience to play against the lending club.'

Garner has been influential in aiding Watford's bid to gain swift promotion back to the Premier League, with the side currently sixth in the Championship table.

Although he cannot feature, there are other ex-Reds on the Hornets' books, namely Ben Foster, Craig Cathcart and Tom Cleverley.

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