How Angus Kinnear reacted to James Garner setback in Everton vs Manchester United
Everton chief Angus Kinnear has had a difficult few days.
The former Leeds United man was appointed in May 2025, and has overseen a complete restructure of the recruitment staff.
He has come under fire for the failed deadline day pursuit of Folarin Balogun, which left the Blues with just one striker.
Kinnear was spotted at the Hill Dickinson Stadium for the 2-2 draw with Manchester United on Sunday, and his reaction to one particular incident was telling.
His reaction to James Garner going down injured in the 77th minute was probably the same as all Evertonians.
The replacement, Ainsley Maitland-Niles ended up scoring a stunning equaliser, but the concern on the executive’s face was clear to see.
How did Angus Kinnear react to James Garner injury blow?
Garner went down stretching his legs and could not continue.
Sky Sports cameras panned to the Toffees CEO as the England ace was laying on the floor.
The 49-year-old cut a frustrated figure in the stands, putting his hand to his face and looking pretty glum.
If Garner is out for any period of time, it will be a setback for David Moyes’ side as they have just 18 senior players.
Whether that is Kinnear’s fault is up for debate, but he made sure that the L3 outfit are stacked in midfield.
Why Garner issue is not as much of an issue for Everton
Midfield is an area of the squad that was heavily strengthened in the summer transfer window.
Christian Norgaard was brought in, as was Hayden Hackney, and Merlin Rohl’s loan was made permanent.
The Blues actually have depth in that area, so if Garner is sidelined after coming off early, it will not be as much of a blow.
Kinnear has been subject to plenty of criticism, a lot of it justified, after the recruitment team that he put together left the squad lacking in several areas.
However, the engine room is not one of them, as they have the three new men, Harrison Armstrong and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to step up if Garner is out of the picture.
Therefore, it will not be as much of a blow, as if Thierno Barry got injured, or Maitland-Niles or Vitalii Mykolenko are struck down.