Nottingham Forest target doesn’t want bit-part role at Manchester United

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Nottingham Forest promotion winner James Garner has admitted that playing in the Europa League for Manchester United next season wouldn’t be enough.

He’s also suggested something that might upset boss Steve Cooper; with Garner suggesting that he’d be willing to head back out on loan to the Premier League this season.

Forest aren’t able to loan Garner for the third time. The Reds have already taken Dean Henderson on loan from the Red Devils for the 2022/23 campaign.

As per Premier League regulations, Forest are permitted from loaning more than one player from another top-flight outfit. That means, if Garner is to return, they’ll need to tempt United into a sale.

It seems as though the 21-year-old still has his heart set on playing for United. As a result, the chances of him being willing to leave united permanently seem unlikely.

The central midfielder is desperate to continue playing regularly. Right now, he wouldn’t be satisfied with making the odd appearance in the Europa League.

He told the PA Agency, via Football 365: “I’d like to play regularly. Europa League isn’t playing regularly. It’s only a small amount of game time.

“I’ve had two full seasons now where I’ve played pretty much every week, two or three times a week.

“I want to play for United. Of course, that’s obviously my aim. I feel like if I’m not going to be playing regularly, I’m definitely open to going back on loan to a Premier League side.”

Garner holds United hope but loan would rule Forest out

If Erik ten Hag decided that he didn’t see Garner ever making the senior grade at United, perhaps he would change his tact.

Right now, however, he’s still talking about playing for United as his ultimate ambition.

The fact he’d consider a Premier League loan will upset Cooper. He now risks losing the midfielder to another club that will now compete with Forest in the top division.

Forest would dearly love to re-sign Garner. He was magnificent last season and registered seven assists from dead ball situations.

It would seem as though the England under-21 international will take some serious persuading to leave United permanently.

For now, he might choose another loan if United don’t give him regular game time and that could mean bad news for Forest.