Manchester United's pre-season tour performances have been very encouraging when you consider what we've become accustomed to seeing at Old Trafford.
At the end of the last campaign, United looked a shell of their former selves. Their worst points tally in the Premier League marked a sad realisation that the club had reached rock bottom.
However, the doom and gloom appears to be subsiding with Ten Hag's side maintaining a 100 per cent record in pre-season. Comprehensive victories over Liverpool, Melbourne Victory and Crystal Palace have suggested the Dutchman is putting things right.
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Options for Ten Hag have been somewhat limited due to several notable absentees, but on Saturday the Dutchman could turn to a player with the quality needed to make his mark on the Premier League next season. A youngster who will add to his midfield selection dilemmas.
Last season James Garner was cutting his teeth in the harsh footballing environment of the Championship with Nottingham Forest. As United fans watched on in disbelief at a leaky defence being deserted by a weak midfield, Garner's performances became something fans would yearn for.
United supporters were likely envious when Garner showcased his abilities against Premier League opposition in the FA Cup. On more than one occasion, the academy graduate was able to control the game from the centre of the park.
He was comfortable when protecting his backline and was giving almost weekly auditions for what was to come at United. With promotion to the Premier League achieved with Forest, Garner's attention has now turned to establishing himself at United.
With a new manager who's not afraid to give youth a chance, Garner seemed ideally positioned for a run in the starting XI this pre-season. Unfortunately, injury has halted that ambition.
Thankfully, the midfielder is back for the Aston Villa test in Perth on Saturday and it would seem like the ideal time to unleash him. Scott McTominay's place in the starting line-up is far from secure and Garner has the chance to show that he is a viable alternative.
Alongside Fred, Garner would be a welcome option for Ten Hag and this would also free up Lisandro Martinez (once he links up with his new teammates) to be positioned in central defence. In an ideal world, Garner would have shown what he can do over the course of the tour.
But Saturday's match against Steven Gerrard's team feels like the perfect moment to cement himself in the United midfield. A good performance in Perth could leave McTominay sweating ahead of the Brighton fixture.
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