Major Erik ten Hag concern comes to light as reasons for Man Utd sale of James Garner to Everton emerge

The somewhat surprising deadline day transfer of James Garner from Manchester United to Everton has been explained – and it seems concerns from Erik ten Hag were the decisive factor.

The 21-year-old midfielder ended his long association with the Red Devils to sign for the Toffees on deadline day. He moves to Goodison Park on a four-year deal, and for an undisclosed fee in the region of £15m.

Indeed, Garner has already laid down his marker at Everton, explaining why his energy and determination will be beneficial to Frank Lampard’s side.

The player’s move though to Everton certainly raised a few eyebrows. After an excellent season on loan with Nottingham Forest, Garner was hoping to get a chance to impress at United under Ten Hag. That was certainly the impression the Dutchman made in his initial assessment of the young players at his disposal.

However, an injury in pre-season appeared detrimental to his chances. And with that limiting his chances to impress, Ten Hag made the decision to sell Garner.

Now The Athletic report that Ten Hag was the driving force behind the sale. He reportedly decided that, after studying video footage of Garner for United’s Under-23s and again for Forest, that Garner did not have what it takes to succeed at United.

Furthermore, the signing of Casemiro and, to a lesser extent, Antony, appeared to prove the final nail in the coffin.

As such, Ten Hag told United officials that Garner was free to leave. To that end, John Murtough then set about selling the 21-year-old for as much as possible in the final days of the window.

James Garner compared to David Beckham

There’s a common consensus that United’s loss will be very much Everton’s gain.

The player will hope to make his Toffees debut in the coming weeks once his fitness has been proved.

Lampard will also hope to get the best out of the player, having detailed exactly what he expects from Garner.

The midfielder will now hope to become a regular in Everton’s engine room.

And pundit Trevor Sinclair reckons the new Toffeesman compares with David Beckham. Speaking on talkSPORT, he said: “James Garner’s deliveries remind me of David Beckham’s.

“He’s got that dip and that whip and it causes so many problems. The pace on the ball, he’s putting it on a sixpence every time.

“The advantage is with the attackers because they know where he’s aiming depending on what signal he puts up. It’s an absolutely phenomenal cross that he’s got in the locker.”

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