Man Utd want cut-price January move to sign one of the best interceptors in the Premier League

Manchester United’s midfield has never been as threadbare as it is right now, making reinforcements in January increasingly likely.

Currently Manchester United’s midfield options with a first-team appearance are Casemiro, Jack Fletcher and Manuel Ugarte, which is far from ideal for Ruben Amorim.

United managed to beat Newcastle with this midfield, but it quite simply just is not good enough to be competing for Champions League football.

With the club’s first choice midfield signings not currently available, United are considering players who could be signed now and later become second squad players.

This saw United linked with Ruben Neves, although this would be a short term signing. However, he’s not the only option the Red Devils have.

Manchester United linked with move to sign James Garner

With midfield clearly the target in January, United should be focusing all efforts on this position after missing out on Antoine Semenyo.

Now, according to the Daily Mail, the club are eyeing up a January move to bring Garner back to the club.

United are paying close attention to Garner’s situation at Everton ahead of overhauling the midfield in 2026, with the midfielder heading into his final six months at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

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Garner is rising up United’s list of options as a midfield addition in January is explored, as he would be available for a cheap fee, with the Red Devils also having a sell-on clause.

Garner would not be a marquee midfield addition and would likely be followed by Elliot Anderson or Carlos Baleba in the summer.

Everton remain keen to lock Garner down to a new deal, but if not then they might have to cash in.

United sold Garner for £9m, and a deal to sign the Carrington graduate might not been much more than that given his contract situation.

James Garner is among the best interceptors in the league

Garner could repeat Paul Pogba’s move of returning to United after being let go to develop. But his signing wouldn’t just be due to his Carrington status, rather it is completely justified.

Over the past few seasons at Everton, Garner has been developing and this year has been his best yet for United.

This season for Everton, Garner has ranked in the 97th percentile for interceptions (23), while also in the 94th for tackles (43) and 90th for duels won (82).

Garner would be an excellent signing for United, and probably an immediate starter. This is a deal Ineos need to complete for Amorim.