James Garner has point to prove for Everton vs Man United after what was said in December
James Garner is set to play a crucial role for Everton as they welcome Man United to Merseyside.
Hill Dickinson will host Everton’s clash with Man United on Monday night, as David Moyes looks to avoid back-to-back home defeats following their loss to Bournemouth last time out.
Bruno Fernandes will have a key role to play for the visitor, while Moyes will be hoping several of his own important players can rise to the occasion and aid the Scotsman in his search for only his ninth career victory against the Red Devils.
And at the top of that list of players who could have the desired impact is Garner, who will almost certainly want to put on a show.
What was said about James Garner in December?
Garner‘s contract situation caused a lot of unrest not only ahead of the current campaign, but also throughout it.
However, those fears were dismissed when the midfielder put pen to paper on a new deal that will keep him on Merseyside until 2030.
But before that deal was reached, Man United were said to be keen on a deal to bring him back to Old Trafford, which is where he started his career.
Since joining Everton in 2022, the Englishman has been one of the Toffees’ most important players, and that has remained that way this season.
Given the interest from his former club, Garner will certainly want to impress on Monday night and showcase exactly what they missed out on by not affording him many first-team chances.
Everton set to face player they tried to sign in January
The Garner links didn’t just cause concern over his immediate future at Everton, but also brought optimism that the Toffees could strike a deal for Kobbie Mainoo.
He was linked with several clubs in January, including Everton, having been underutilised by Ruben Amorim throughout his time at the club.
However, Michael Carrick’s appointment has changed that, with Mainoo now playing an influential role in the middle of the park.
The 20-year-old has started every game for the Red Devils since.
Garner will certainly have work cut out for him against Mainoo on Monday, and it will certainly be a battle worth observing.
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