I told Erik ten Hag I was leaving Manchester United after watching him sign other midfielders

James Garner left Manchester United during Erik ten Hag’s first summer in charge

Everton’s James Garner, who was born in Birkenhead and dreamed of being a star at Manchester United, believes his performances this season proves he made the right choice to leave Old Trafford.

Garner officially joined Everton on September 1, 2022, in a deal which potentially could increase from £9million up to £15million following an impressive loan spell in the Championship with Nottingham Forest. Garner admitted to feeling rather anxious as the transfer was finalised just before the close of the window.

The midfielder has now opened up about the conversation he had with Erik ten Hag that led to his Old Trafford departure. “I definitely had conversations with him but I’d just come off the back of a good season, probably the best season I possibly could have had so I didn’t want to stagnate and sit on the bench week in, week out,” he said, as reported by The Liverpool Echo.

“Nothing is promised in football but when they start signing three, four midfielders you kind of understand your place. It was a decision that I wanted to make as soon as I went back, to go find first-team football somewhere else.

“He was honest with me, told me what he thought and said nothing was promised. I made a decision, some people might have thought it was the wrong one at the time but I knew it was the right one because I didn’t want to stagnate when I’d just had such a good season, I wanted to go out and prove to everyone and prove to myself that I can play at the top level.”

And Garner says the move to Everton was one of the most stressful days of his life. He then confessed: “It was the first time I’d been involved in something like that.

“When I’d been on loan, it had been pretty much sorted weeks in advance, so this was probably one of the most stressful days of my life. Plus you’ve got to get your medical completed in time and stuff so it definitely was a stressful time.

“I think it was within the last hour! I remember getting home after midnight so I was here (at Finch Farm) late.”

Despite his long-standing connection with United, Garner saw the move to Everton as a chance to step outside his comfort zone and truly kick-start his professional career. He further explained: “Of course when you are going through an academy, it is always the dream. I was there from the age of seven to go all the way and establish yourself in the first-team.”

The footballer shared his thoughts: “But obviously you can’t be naive and lose track. I could easily have been comfortable and sat there with all my mates and train, been on the bench and travelled, and been comfortable.

“But you know for me, I play football. I love to play football and if I’m not, I’m not happy or enjoying it.

“My life ultimately revolves around football, that is when I am at my happiest. For me, it was a case of going out and seeking first-team football.

“Nothing is ever guaranteed but I knew I had more of a chance going elsewhere. And proving myself and the new manager who I was going in with it that I’m here to play.”

He added: “It’s always a tough decision when you’re coming from a club that is deemed one of the best in the world for numerous years. It was a big decision but one I knew was right and the only person who can prove it is myself.

“I feel like I’ve proven it to those who didn’t believe me over that side but more importantly I’ve proven to myself that I can play in a Premier League side week in, week out.

“It’s always a motivation but while it might sound a bit cliched, I don’t do it for anyone else other than my family, they’re the ones whose opinions matter. Ultimately it was more a case of proving it to myself and I had questions with myself over whether I could compete at the highest level and I’m doing that so I just need to take it a step further now.”

Even though Garner is confident he made the right decision moving to Goodison Park, some United fans were upset about his departure. Given their difficult season, do they still share their thoughts with him? The Blues number 37 said: “I still live in Manchester so obviously you bump into the odd person.

“Fans being fans they always give you their little comments and stuff. But look I’m happy where I am now, yeah.”

* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story.