Xavi Simons has already said why Man United must go all out to sign ‘technical’ star who ‘surprised’ him
A Man United transfer target has already got the stamp of approval from one of Tottenham’s biggest names.
Ruben Amorim will be desperate for reinforcements ahead of the second half of the 2025-26 campaign, with the Red Devils currently sitting sixth in the Premier League table, three points off fourth.
With just one win in their last four games, as Man United drew 1-1 against Wolves most recently, it has been a season of highs and lows, which must change if they are to have a successful campaign.
It has become clear that a new defensive midfielder is high on the list of targets, with Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba linked previously, and Everton‘s James Garner now being tipped for a Man United return.
Although reports have thrown cold water over any chance of a move happening this month, Xavi Simons appears to have already told the club why that might be the wrong decision.
Xavi Simons is a huge fan of James Garner
With the 24-year-old yet to sign a new contract, the midfielder’s current deal expires at the end of the 2025-26 campaign, so it is no surprise to see so much interest in him.
Therefore, a lot has been made about his future, but with links back to the United academy, a return to Old Trafford could be on the cards soon, especially if the club listen to the Spurs star.
Speaking on Wayne Rooney‘s BBC Sport show, Simons said: “The one that surprised me was, I guess, [at] Everton, was… I knew him because of the youth teams he played in at Manchester United, James Garner.
“I knew from the… he’s older than me, but I knew [him]. Now, when I played against him, I felt like, ‘Okay, technical with the ball, I think he’s really, really good.’”
What has David Moyes said about the Man United target’s future?
David Moyes has been keen to express just how loved Garner is.
Speaking back in December, Moyes said: “Hopefully he signs a new contract when the time comes, but at the end of the season he’s got an option [of an extra year extension] as well.
“So, obviously, we’ll be on that, if we need to be,” and while there is no update on the midfielder’s future, he continues to shine at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, even adding to his goals recently.
He notched a goal and an assist against Nottingham Forest, taking his total to two goals and three assists for the season, and is the base in front of the Toffees’ defence.
If Everton are to lose Garner, it would be a monumental blow to Moyes’ midfield, one that would be incredibly difficult to replace, so it will be vital for the club to tie him down to a new contract.
It will be a situation for the Red Devils to keep a firm eye on. Simons is right. He could be an even bigger superstar at Old Trafford.