James Garner, the English midfielder who now plays for Everton, recently opened up about his departure from Manchester United and his candid conversation with Erik ten Hag, the current United manager.
Garner, who spent 13 years at Manchester United, left the club in 2022 after signing a £15 million deal with Everton. Before his move, he made seven appearances for United, the team he had supported since childhood.
However, a straightforward conversation with Ten Hag, who had just been appointed United’s manager that same summer, led to Garner’s decision to seek opportunities elsewhere.
In an interview in 2023, Garner shed light on how his talk with Ten Hag influenced his departure from Old Trafford. He described Ten Hag as both a kind but strict manager, emphasizing that the Dutchman is known for his uncompromising stance on discipline and his firm approach to team policies.
Garner recalled how the conversation with Ten Hag about his future at the club left him feeling disheartened, as it did not go as he had hoped. “Ten Hag is a really kind man but he is also quite rigorous,” Garner explained. “He finds no one defying the norms. He will declare as it is and punish those who have done the wrong thing.”
During their discussion, Garner decided to ask Ten Hag directly about his role in the team. He wanted to know if the manager saw him as a part of United’s future plans or if he would be given a chance to regularly feature in the squad.
Unfortunately, the outcome of that conversation did not align with what Garner had anticipated. “My conversation with him went rather naturally. I asked him straightforwardly if he envisaged me performing a part or whether I would be in the team,” Garner shared. “I decided to move as I thought the chat did not proceed as planned.”
Garner’s decision to leave United came on the heels of an impressive loan spell at Nottingham Forest during the 2021-22 season. While on loan at Forest, Garner was instrumental in helping the club achieve promotion to the Premier League, playing a crucial role in their successful campaign. His performances during that period caught the attention of several clubs, and it seemed like an opportune moment for him to make a permanent move away from Manchester United.
Despite his strong ties to United, Garner knew that his future lay elsewhere. With Everton offering him a chance for more regular playing time and a clearer path for development, the midfielder took the plunge and joined the Merseyside club.
Garner’s decision was ultimately driven by the desire for more opportunities to play, something he felt was uncertain under Ten Hag’s management.
Since his move to Everton, Garner has become a promising addition to the squad, and he continues to develop his career in the Premier League. Reflecting on his exit from United, it’s clear that while the conversation with Ten Hag was a turning point, Garner’s move has allowed him to carve out a new chapter for himself at Goodison Park.
While the disappointment of not fitting into Ten Hag’s plans was evident, Garner remains positive about the future, focused on growing as a player and contributing to Everton’s success in the top flight.
