Manchester United interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has today named 17-year-old youth prospect James Garner in his matchday squad to face Championship outfit Reading, in the clearest sign yet of just how highly rated the youngster is by the Old Trafford hierarchy.
The teenager has been slowly integrated into the United senior team this season, after signing his first professional contract last May.
He made his big breakthrough in the summer, when former United boss Jose Mourinho decided to include him on the club’s pre-season tour of the United States.
“Now it's been announced to his teammates. I can reveal the news,” his father, Dave, tweeted last year. “James… Jimmy Garner... A Manchester United U18 player has been selected to tour with the 1st team on their pre-season tour in the USA. Well done son… Enjoy.”
Garner reportedly impressed Mourinho on the tour and, upon the squad’s return, was picked for the first-team a number of times.
He was named on the bench for the Champions League tie against Valencia and will be hoping to go one better against Reading in the FA Cup this afternoon.
Garner is not the only youngster looking to make an impression against the Championship side. Tahith Chong will also be hoping for some first-team minutes and you can read a profile of him here.
