Ex-Manchester United midfielder James Garner has insisted he was “right” to leave the club to join Everton in 2022.
The now-22-year-old joined Man Utd at Under-8 level back in 2008 and worked his way up through the academy to make his senior debut aged 17 in 2019, coming off the bench in a 3-1 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
After just two Premier League appearances however, Garner was shipped out on a series of loans to Championship clubs Watford and Nottingham Forest between 2020 and 2022.
Following his return to Old Trafford however, speaking an interview with the Telegraph, Garner admitted he knew it was time to leave when he saw Erik ten Hag dipping into the transfer market to sign big-name midfielders such as Casemiro and Christian Eriksen.
He said: “When they start signing three, four midfielders you kind of understand your place. It was a decision that I wanted to make.
“I still live in Manchester so obviously you bump into the odd person. Fans being fans they always give you their little comments and stuff.”
Garner up sticks from Manchester United to join Everton for a reported £15m fee and has since become a key player under manager Sean Dyche, starting 18 Premier League games so far this season.
“But look, I’m happy where I am now, yeah. It’s always a tough decision [to leave] when you’re coming from a club that is deemed one of the best in the world,” added Garner about his move to Goodison Park.
“It was a big decision but one I knew was right.
“I feel like I’ve proven it to those who didn’t believe me over that side, but more importantly I’ve proven to myself that I can play in a Premier League side week in, week out.”
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