Former Manchester United coach Nicky Butt has explained why James Garner was allowed to leave the club and join Everton. Garner joined United’s academy at the age of eight and rose through the youth ranks before breaking into the first team, making seven appearances.

Following an impressive spell at Nottingham Forest during the 2021/22 campaign, helping the Midlands outfit clinch promotion from the Sky Bet Championship, several United supporters were determined to see him given an opportunity at Old Trafford. But Garner instead joined Everton on deadline day back in the summer of 2022 in a permanent deal worth £15m.

Garner has since gone on to become a mainstay for the Blues, and his commitment to the club’s cause cannot be doubted, given the number of positions he has played.

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