Manchester United considering surprise January move for “outstanding” Premier League star who can “play any position on the pitch”

Everton's James Garner in action with Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister. (REUTERS/David Klein)

Manchester United moved temporarily into fifth place in the Premier League following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Newcastle United at Old Trafford.

Patrick Dorgu’s lone strike secured the three points in a controlled performance, while Ruben Amorim’s switch to a back four paid dividends, helping United keep a rare clean sheet.

Despite this progress, the club are already looking ahead to the January transfer window, with plans to strengthen key areas of the squad.

Manchester United are reportedly considering a surprise move to bring James Garner back to Old Trafford just three years after selling him to Everton, according to the Mail Online.

The 24-year-old midfielder, a product of United’s academy, is being eyed as a solution to Ruben Amorim’s ongoing midfield issues. With Casemiro set to leave at the end of the season and the futures of Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte uncertain, United are keen to add depth and quality in the middle of the park.

Garner, who joined United’s youth setup in 2009 and made his first-team debut in 2018, was sold to Everton for around £9 million. He has since grown into a key figure at Goodison Park, developing into a versatile midfielder capable of contributing in multiple positions.

Everton vice-captain James Tarkowski recently called him “outstanding.”

“He can literally play any position on the pitch, and he’d play out of his skin,” Tarkowski said. “He’s physically really good, technically outstanding, makes great decisions, affects the game going forward and also defensively. He’s got everything, so we’re lucky to have him.”

United see Garner as an affordable and proven Premier League option, especially given that his contract at Everton runs until the summer.

A January move could allow them to bolster their midfield with a player who already understands the club’s culture and expectations.

Barnaby Lane is a highly experienced sports writer who has written for The Times, FourFourTwo Magazine, Sports Illustrated, TalkSPORT, and Business Insider.

Over the years, he's had the pleasure of interviewing some of the biggest names in world sport, including Usain Bolt, Rafael Nadal, Christian Pulisic, and more.