PL club plotting to ruin United’s plans to bring midfield maestro back to Old Trafford – report

Manchester United could struggle to bring former player James Garner back to Old Trafford this year. The Red Devils are planning to improve their midfield in 2026 and are already looking at several Premier League-proven candidates for the job. United are laying down succession plans for Casemiro, whose contract expires this summer. The Brazilian is due to turn 34 next month and cannot be expected to carry on for much longer. Meanwhile, Bruno Fernandes is also on the wrong side of 30, while Manuel Ugarte’s future remains uncertain. Kobbie Mainoo has seen his fortunes improve since former head coach Ruben Amorim’s departure earlier this month, but his future is not set in stone either. Recent reports have suggested that the Red Devils have identified Garner as a candidate to shore up their midfield this summer. Garner’s spell with United Garner rose through the ranks at Old Trafford, joining the club at the under-8 level. The Englishman was a central defender until the age of 15, before he made the transition to midfield, and caught the eye with the youth side. Garner broke into the first team in 2019 at the age of 17 and would spend the next couple of years out on loan. While he was highly rated at Carrington, the player was sold to Everton in the summer of 2022, a move that United would live to regret. The 24 year old turned his career around at Goodison Park and has been linked with a fairytale return to Old Trafford in recent years. This season, Garner registered three goals and three assists in 25 appearances for the Toffees, excelling in the defensive midfield role where his calmness and composure have garnered special praise. James Garna CompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Premier League2222235–1,974′ EFL Cup22––1–180′ FA Cup111–––120′ Total2525336–2,274′ Source: Transfermarkt. In the Premier League, the Englishman has registered the second-most interceptions (32), the fourth-most tackles (64), and has also won back possession 114 times, the fourth-most in the league. He has also operated at left-back and right-back on a few occasions and has not looked out of place. Garner’s contract expires in less than six months, although Everton have the option of a one-year extension. A previous report by The Peoples Person stated that renewal talks had not progressed well, generating hope at Old Trafford of a possible return this year. However, a contrasting update has now emerged. Everton close to Garner renewal According to TEAMtalk, Everton have made significant progress in contract talks and a renewal is now imminent. The report states: “We can now confirm that the Toffees have made significant progress in negotiations with the Birkenhead-born star, with a full agreement on a new, long-term contract described as ‘imminent’ by sources.” “Garner’s regular playing time under Moyes, as well as the noticeable improvement he has made under the manager, are cited as key reasons why he is set to extend his stay on Merseyside.” “Barring any dramatic twists, Garner’s new deal is expected to be announced in the near future, though no specific timeframe has been shared by sources.” Final Thoughts Garner’s surprise departure was one of several questionable transfer decisions United have made in the past decade. While it looks like they will not be handed the chance to rectify that error this year, the Red Devils must ensure that they do not repeat the mistake with Mainoo. The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Deepungsu Pandit Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.