Butt Makes Case for United to Bring Garner Home from Everton

Nicky Butt reckons there's a compelling case for Manchester United to bring James Garner back to Old Trafford, after the Everton midfielder's stellar campaign on Merseyside has caught the eye of the football world.

Garner, 25, progressed through United's academy before embarking on loan moves to Watford and Nottingham Forest. He eventually departed permanently in a £15million deal to Everton four years ago, where he's now become a cornerstone of David Moyes's midfield.

This season has been a breakthrough one for the former Red Devil. Eight goal contributions have rolled in as Everton chase European qualification, whilst his performances have earned him a maiden England call-up. Garner featured in both recent friendlies against Uruguay and Japan, drawing praise from Thomas Tuchel in the process.

With Casemiro confirmed as leaving and United's midfield clearly needing reinforcement, Butt—who oversaw Garner's academy development—sees a potential reunion as a natural fit, though he acknowledges the hurdles involved.

"I don't see why he couldn't be back at United," Butt told Paddy Power. "He's performing well, he's playing for a big club with big expectations and a passionate crowd. He plays under pressure every week, he knows Man United, and he's doing amazingly well now."

Butt cautioned against rushing into a deal this summer, however. "He's got to do it again next season. It's a bit soon to go and pay big money for him now, but I'm confident he can do it."

The former midfielder highlighted how Garner's trajectory mirrors his own—not necessarily the most naturally gifted, but possessed of a hunger to reach the summit that sets him apart. Since leaving United, Garner has flourished, proving himself ready for regular football at the highest level.

"Jimmy is a bit like the player I was," Butt reflected. "Not the most talented but his drive and desire to get to the top is up there with anybody I've seen."

Butt was emphatic about Garner's credentials as a complete midfielder. "He's got it all. He can pass through the lines, he can defend, he can tackle, he can sprint. He's like a poorer man's version of Gerrard—not as good as Gerrard, but in that mould. He can do everything as a modern-day midfielder."

There's also the small matter of the World Cup in North America to consider. Butt has no doubts Garner will be on the plane, having impressed sufficiently in the recent internationals to secure his spot in Tuchel's 26-man squad.

"He will definitely be going after that," Butt said. "He's got his ticket on the plane."

Garner's name has also been linked with a surprise move to Liverpool, adding another layer of intrigue to his future. For now, though, the midfielder remains focused on pushing Everton towards the European places in the run-in.