James Garner has been told he would be welcomed back at Nottingham Forest with open arms should Manchester United be unable to fit him into their plans for next season. Garner, 21, was brought off the bench by manager Erik ten Hag during the 2-2 draw with Aston Villa on Saturday.
It was his first appearance of the pre-season programme and those 22 minutes offered Garner an opportunity to impress the Dutchman against Premier League opponents. United were 2-0 up in Perth before Villa responded in the second half when Ten Hag made several changes.
Garner was brought on in central midfield - for the first time this summer - and United will have to make a decision on him sooner rather than later. It comes as key figures in the boardroom continue to target Frenkie de Jong amid a long-standing pursuit for the Barcelona and Netherlands playmaker.
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Having progressed through the famous academy system, United midfielder Garner has developed in loan spells at Watford and Forest. It was his second spell at the City Ground and the rising star has been tipped for a third if things don't go according to plan for him under Ten Hag.
Speaking while on MUTV punditry duty, former United striker Andy Cole said: "He was a big part of the team that got promoted there. If he doesn't force himself into this Manchester United squad I think he will have another great opportunity to go to Nottingham Forest and play in that team.
"That is another year for experience and in the Premier League. He was such a big part with what he gave them last season and I think they will look to take him back there."
Garner played 41 games for Forest in the Championship last season. He scored four goals and provided eight assists to go with his promotion medal which was earned via the play-offs beneath the famous Wembley arch.
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