James Garner is enjoying his second loan spell with Nottingham Forest this season.
Garner enjoyed a productive second half of the campaign on loan at the City Ground last term and he 'impressed' former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in pre-season across the summer, but it was decided another loan spell would be best for his development.
The 20-year-old signed for Forest again on loan and he's currently playing a key role in their renaissance under Steve Cooper.
The Manchester Evening News understands signing a midfielder is United's priority at the end of the season, but could Garner be ready to bridge that gap into the Reds' first team after his loan? We've spoken to the Nottingham Post to find out.
Forest correspondent Sarah Clapson provided the MEN with the latest on Garner.
Q) Can you describe Garner's impact at Forest this season?
A) It took him a little while to get going this season, but in recent weeks he's been back to his best for Forest. There was a lot of expectation when he returned in the summer because he'd had such a good loan spell last year, but it's easy to forget he's still really young. At his age, players always go through ups and downs. It didn't help that the team was doing so poorly at first, while Chris Hughton was still in charge. Garner then found himself in and out of the XI a bit when Steve Cooper came in, but he gradually started to find his form. Sunday at Cardiff aside (when nobody played well), he's been great and has played his part in getting Forest challenging at the right end of the table.
Q) What are Garner's specific strengths and weaknesses?
A) His passing range is excellent. He's so comfortable in possession and can get Forest going by picking out some terrific balls. He's also shown he can be versatile by playing in a couple of different positions. As well as his more familiar central midfield role, Cooper has also played him in a more advanced position. Once he'd adapted to it, it actually suited Garner quite well - he was keen to get on the ball and put pressure on the opposition. We know he can score goals too, as he did that last year. He's only got one so far this season, so he could do with chipping in with a few more. Coping with the physicality of some Championship teams is also something for him to work on. Sometimes Forest's midfield has struggled with that, so it's about taking games by the scruff of the neck more often.
Q) Do you think he could adapt to the demands of the Premier League?
A) I've no doubt he'll be a Premier League player at some point. But it's difficult to say if he's ready at the moment. He's showing he can do it in the Championship, but the Premier League is another significant step up from that. And midfield is such a key position in the top-flight. There are still areas of his game to work on, and developing consistency is key, but he has definitely got the potential to make it at that level in the future if he keeps making the same level of progress.
Q) What's his best position and why?
A) Although he can play in an advanced role, I think Garner's best when he's in a deeper central midfield spot. That's where he's played most for Forest, either in a 4-2-3-1 or 3-4-3 formation. When he's sitting a bit deeper, he can really influence games and see more of the ball. He gets the chance to pick a pass and get Forest on the front foot. That doesn't stop him from pushing forward when he gets the opportunity, and he can definitely hit the ball from range, too.
Q) Do you think Cooper could look to sign Garner permanently?
A) He'd be a great addition if so! Cooper likes working with younger players and developing them, so Garner would definitely fit the bill.I know he had plenty of interest in him in the summer, though, before he decided to come back to Forest, so I'd expect the same again at the end of this term. It might depend what division Forest are in next season as to whether they think they'd have a chance of being able to sign him. And what United's plans for him are, of course. Cooper does really like him, though, and it seems as though Garner is enjoying himself at Forest.
