James Garner has opened up on his decision to part ways with his boyhood club and his brief experience with Erik ten Hag.
The midfielder ended his 13-year association with Manchester United last year when he signed for Everton on a four-year deal. He left having made seven first-team appearances for the club, most of which came in the Europa League.
Garner, 22, had completed loan spells with both Watford and Nottingham Forest, the latter being the most successful, as he played a pivotal role in the Midlands side’s promotion to the Premier League after a 23-year wait.
However, upon return to Old Trafford, he knew that game time would be incredibly hard to come by under new manager Ten Hag. After holding talks with the Dutchman, he made a permanent switch to the Toffees in a deal believed to be worth £15 million in total – much to United fans’ dismay.
The Carrington graduate has started all four of Everton’s games so far this season but seemingly faces another campaign fighting against relegation, as Sean Dyche’s side are yet to pick up their first win.
Garner reflects on Old Trafford exit
The U21 England international has provided insight into his United exit whilst speaking to the BBC.
“When I came back to United, I felt like I had a good enough season to have a shot, but unfortunately I got injured on the first day and it set me back two or three weeks, so the manager did not get to see me in training and games.
“It was a decision where – after having two seasons in men’s football – I wanted to be part of a team and squad, ideally starting too. I knew I wasn’t going to get that at United so I made the decision to move here,” he admitted.
“I could have gone on loan again and come back but I felt I would have been in the exact same position I was then. I didn’t want to be stuck in the mud, I needed to make a decision to leave one of the best clubs in the world, which was hard, but it is one I am happy I made.”
Garner also detailed his discussions with Ten Hag and the no-nonsense approach that the coach takes, adding: “Ten Hag is a very approachable guy but is very strict. He takes no one bending the rules. He will say it how it is and will punish people if they have done the wrong things.
“My talk with him was easy. I asked him plain and simple whether I was going to be in the squad or if he saw me playing a part. I felt the conversation did not go as well as I wanted and I made the decision to move.”
