James Garner

Garner could feature against Southampton

Wednesday 27 February 2019 22:49

Manchester United caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has suggested James Garner could be involved again in Saturday's Premier League clash with Southampton after the 17-year-old made his senior debut at Crystal Palace.

The Academy product was introduced for summer signing Fred in the closing stages of an excellent 3-1 victory for the Reds, a club record eighth successive win on the road.

A versatile youngster, who can operate at centre-back or in central midfield, Garner captains England at youth level.

Fred makes way for James Garner towards the end of United's 3-1 victory.

"We’ve been waiting for that chance [to introduce him to the first team]," explained Solskjaer to MUTV. "Of course, now with Nemanja [Matic] and Ander [Herrera] injured, there’ll be more chances for Jimmy.

"We might even see him on Saturday against Southampton again."

Speaking at his post-match press conference at Selhurst Park, Ole added: "I believe he has got the chance to have a great future. Of course, he has to keep working.

"He knows we believe in him. We have great faith in him as the next Michael Carrick. I know he's young and it's not fair on kids to compare them to great players like Michael was, but he's in the same mould. He can see the game, he plays simple passes. He sees through the lines, like Scott McTominay did tonight.

"Michael had pressure coming in after Roy Keane. So it's just the way it is at Manchester United."

James Garner gets a taste of first-team action at Selhurst Park.

First-team coach Carrick has been helping to mentor Garner, offering him advice and tips on his game, and the boy from Birkenhead is continuing to make fine progress.

Tahith Chong was also on the bench in the capital, while Mason Greenwood and Angel Gomes also travelled down with the squad.

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