Manchester United’s academy graduates continue provide a backbone for their success.
Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood and now Dean Henderson have been amongst those to play a big role for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side whilst Shola Shoretire recently became the latest to make the step up.
But whilst not currently in Solskjaer’s squad, it could well be the 230th academy graduate to play for United who goes on to become their next star.
James Garner left a noticeable mark on Solskjaer when he handed him his senior debut in added time in a Premier League game against Crystal Palace as a 17-year-old in February 2019.
"I believe he's got the chance to have a great future," Solskjaer said. "He knows we believe in him, we've got great faith in him as the next Michael Carrick.
“I know he's young and I know it's not fair on kids to compare to great players like Michael was, but he's the same mould, he plays simple passes, plays through the lines.”
It was a big statement regarding a teenager and one which piled on the pressure, something Solskjaer acknowledged but stated he would have to deal with.
"You're at Man United,” he said. “Michael had the pressure of coming in after Roy Keane, that's just the way it is at Man United.”
For the past two years, it appeared Solskjaer’s comparison with a United great may have been premature and the pressure may get to Garner.
Unable to break into Solskjaer’s first-team, he was loaned out to Watford at the start of the season and fell out of favour when new manager Xisco Munoz arrived.
The deal was terminated and he appeared to be joining a long line of United youngster to be harmed by doomed loan spells.
But the same day he left Watford, Nottingham Forest came calling and the teenager has not looked back.
He has been a mainstay in the Forest side, playing 90 minutes in 11 out of their last 12 games.
His latest display against Brentford earned him man of the match in a 1-1 draw and rave reviews.
Former England midfielder Lee Hendrie declared on commentary: “He’s been the best player on the pitch for me so far, James Garner.
“Even in that first half he’s got on the ball, he’s been brave, dictated... his range of passing is absolutely first class.”
Garner ended the game having completed 45 out of 54 passes including 18 in the final third, three long passes and four ball recoveries.
It was a display of maturity beyond his years and one which showed Solskjaer was not only spot on with his bold prediction but also his handling of his development.
Garner continues to gain priceless experience of first-team football in the Championship and could be primed as dark horse to make an impact at United next season.
After appearing in a young United side against Astana in the Europa League last season, he was singled out for praise by Paul Scholes.
"Without being too risky, I thought they kept the game ticking over quite nicely and were in nice control of the game,” Scholes said.
Garner clearly has plenty of admirers at Old Trafford and is backing up his plaudits at the City Ground with his recent performances.
Perhaps Solskjaer has found his 'next Michael Carrick' after all...
