James Garner: Leaving Man United for Everton Was the Right Call

James Garner reveals why leaving Manchester United for Everton was the perfect career move

James Garner has spoken out on his Manchester United exit, insisting his £15m switch to Everton in 2022 was the right call. The 25-year-old midfielder has been recalled to the England squad for Nations League fixtures after a strong start to the season.

Player: James Garner, 25-year-old midfielder
Move: Manchester United to Everton, 2022
Fee: £15 million
England status: Recalled for Nations League vs Spain, Czechia, Croatia
Academy: Nine years at Manchester United
Loans: Watford, Nottingham Forest (twice)

What was said

"I think it was the perfect thing for me to do."
— James Garner on his Everton move

"I've never been shy of going into a more uncomfortable place. I went on loan three times, I went to Watford and then twice to Nottingham Forest, so I moved early and moved down to London and to Nottingham, so I wasn't worried about moving at all, changing scenery or anything that."
— James Garner on his loan experiences

"For me, it was just about playing games and Everton was the perfect choice at that point. I didn't just want to fizzle into the background and just sit on the bench and stuff like that, so I wanted to go into a team where I felt like I had a chance to fight for my position and that's what I have done in the past three or four years."
— James Garner on choosing Everton

"No, not really. I am a big believer that everything happens for a reason. When I left they signed three or four midfielders, world-class ones."
— James Garner on regretting leaving Manchester United

"Had I stayed, I wouldn't have been where I am today, so I am more than happy that I left."
— James Garner on his decision

Garner’s words cut through the usual platitudes. He didn’t leave Old Trafford for money or glamour; he left to play. And that decision has now been validated by a return to the England squad.

His honesty about being blocked at United is refreshing. When a club signs “three or four midfielders, world-class ones” — as Garner puts it — a young player has two choices: rot on the bench or bet on himself elsewhere. He chose the latter.

Deal details

From: Manchester United
To: Everton
Fee: £15 million
Year: 2022
Academy years at United: Nine
Loans: Watford, Nottingham Forest (twice)

England squad return rewards regular football

Garner’s England recall is no fluke. He has been capped at every youth level, made his first two senior appearances in March, and is now back in the squad for Nations League fixtures against Spain, Czechia and Croatia.

Thomas Tuchel had already hinted in May that Garner was close to making his 26-man World Cup squad. His recent form with Everton has pushed him back into the conversation at the right time.

That is the real story here: a player who prioritised minutes over prestige and is now reaping the rewards. Garner didn’t just talk about development; he lived it. And with a World Cup on the horizon, his timing could not be better.

Why Garner’s Everton bet is paying off

James Garner is not the most flashy midfielder in the Premier League, but he is exactly the type of player every squad needs: reliable, adaptable, and hungry. At Everton, he has found a manager who trusts him and a system that suits his energy. That trust has translated into consistent starts and, now, international recognition.

At Manchester United, Garner was never going to get that. The club’s midfield is stocked with high-profile signings, and young academy graduates often find their path blocked. Garner saw the writing on the wall and acted decisively. That takes courage — especially for a boyhood United fan who spent nine years in the academy.

His loan spells at Watford and Nottingham Forest were crucial. They taught him the realities of senior football: the physicality, the pressure, the need to fight for every inch. By the time Everton came calling, he was ready. The £15m fee now looks like a bargain for a player who could be a fixture in the England setup for years to come.

Talking points

Was £15m for James Garner one of Everton’s best pieces of business in recent years? Given his England recall, it looks like a steal.
Should Manchester United have inserted a buy-back clause or kept Garner as a squad option instead of signing multiple midfielders?
Can Garner force his way into England’s World Cup squad? Tuchel’s hint in May suggests he is firmly in the frame.
Does Garner’s success prove that more academy players should leave big clubs earlier for regular football?

What happens next

Garner will now look to impress in England’s Nations League fixtures against Spain, Czechia and Croatia. A strong showing could cement his place in Tuchel’s World Cup plans. For Everton, they will hope their midfielder returns fit and firing, ready to continue his fine start to the season.

Frequently asked questions

Did James Garner leave Manchester United for Everton?

Yes, Garner left Manchester United to join Everton in 2022 for a fee of £15 million after nine years in United’s academy and loan spells at Watford and Nottingham Forest.

Why did James Garner leave Manchester United?

Garner left because his path to the first team was blocked. He said United signed “three or four midfielders, world-class ones” and he wanted regular playing time instead of sitting on the bench.

Is James Garner in the England squad?

Yes, Garner has been recalled to the England squad for Nations League fixtures against Spain, Czechia and Croatia after a strong start to the season with Everton.