Manchester United have confirmed that young midfielder James Garner has signed a new long-term contract at the club before lending to Nottingham Forest.
The 20-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at City Ground and enjoyed a very productive spell, scoring four goals in 20 games from the base at Forest Midfield.
✍? Brilliant news, @ JGarnerr96 – good luck for the 2021/22 season! #MUFC
– Manchester United (@ManUtd) 22 August 2021
Some fans had demanded that Garner be promoted to United’s first team permanently, but consistent minutes would always be tough to find in Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s team, and so United have confirmed on their official website that Garner has returned to Forest on a new 12- monthly loans.
Before he sealed the move, Garner put pen to paper on a new three-year contract and tied with the Red Devils until 2024 in a deal that also includes an option to extend for another 12 months.
“I’m made up, Manchester United have been a massive part of my life for over ten years now,” Garner said of his new contract. “My ambitions are obviously to become a first team player here. I know exactly what is required, I am ready to show my ability to everyone and continue to strive for all my goals.
“Writing this new contract shows the faith that the club has in me, it gives me extra motivation and means so much to me and my family.
“I want to be a great player for this club one day, that’s my ultimate goal and I will work every day to make that happen.”
Garner impressed Forest / Alex Pantling / Getty Images
Solskjaer has been full of praise for Garner throughout the summer but recently admitted that the young midfielder needed more time out on loan before he would be ready to compete in the first team minutes.
“He has done really well during the pre-season, and he has really impressed me,” said Solskjær. “I think his career, another season or another six months now to begin with, playing regularly in the championship will help him.”
