The decision to allow James Garner to leave Old Trafford in the summer is one that still rankles with many Manchester United supporters.
The former academy star made just a handful of first-team appearances for United but there was a feeling that he could be just what the side needed: a young talent who had repeatedly stated his desire to nail down a first-team shirt. His spell at Nottingham Forest last term, where he played a crucial role in aiding their promotion to the top flight, had seemingly persuaded many that he was finally ready for a proper shot at his parent club. Erik ten Hag clearly disagreed.
Garner was included in the pre-season globe-trotting tour but the closest he came to a competitive appearance under Ten Hag was a spot on the bench for the defeats to Brighton and Brentford.
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Surprisingly, he hasn't fared much better since swapping Old Trafford for Goodison Park. In fact, he is yet to play a single minute.
Therefore, Sunday's meeting between the two teams on Merseyside offers the perfect opportunity for the 21-year-old to make his mark for his new club against his old one. Injury has interrupted his new start but Everton chief Frank Lampard gave hugely encouraging noises over the chances of him featuring against United.
"James is ready, he’s completely ready," Lampard said. "When he came he was very honest, he wasn’t fit for the Liverpool game in terms of being 100 per cent match-fit. So we had to work him, he went away with the England under-21s and played a game and now he’s completely ready. He’s ready to go, he’s training and I’m excited to see him playing and get him in the team."
Whether the £15million United banked by rubber-stamping his departure proves to be canny business or a huge mistake will not be determined by what happens on Sunday evening. But if the youngster enjoys a rip-roaring debut against his former employers then you can expect plenty of questions to be fired Ten Hag's way post-match.
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