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GARNER BE GREAT

Meet James Garner – who captained Man Utd and England youth teams and now is tipped to be next Carrick by Solskjaer

OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER couldn't stop himself from saying it: He's Garner be great.

Man United's boss, full of promises in promoting youth, sat in Selhurst Park purring over debutant James Garner as he set up the highest of bars.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes James Garner can emulate Michael Carrick's career at Man United
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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes James Garner can emulate Michael Carrick's career at Man UnitedCredit: Getty - Contributor

"He knows we believe in him, we've got great faith in him as the next Michael Carrick," Solskjaer said following the 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace.

"I know he's young and I know it's not fair on kids to compare great players like Michael was, but he's the same mould. He plays simple passes through the lines.

"Michael had the pressure of coming in after Roy Keane, so that's just the way it is at Man United."

Garner, who turns 18 on Wednesday and is known as Jimmy, signed a professional contract at United last summer.

Garner made his first-team debut with a late cameo in the 3-1 win over Crystal Palace last week
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Garner made his first-team debut with a late cameo in the 3-1 win over Crystal Palace last weekCredit: Getty - Contributor
Garner - who is known as Jimmy - signed a professional contract at United last summer
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Garner - who is known as Jimmy - signed a professional contract at United last summerCredit: Getty - Contributor

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He had captained the Under-18s to the Premier League North title and wore the armband for England's U17s at the European Championships.

But Garner's talent has seen his trajectory take a rapid rise.

The teenager was long considered a future star around Carrington before Jose Mourinho took him on the club's pre-season tour last summer having signed a pro deal.

Garner, from Birkenhead, showed his allegiance lies with the Red Devils.

The midfielder has captained United Under-18s before being called up to the first-team
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The midfielder has captained United Under-18s before being called up to the first-teamCredit: Getty - Contributor
Teenager Garner turns 18 on Wednesday and is impressing first-team coaches
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Teenager Garner turns 18 on Wednesday and is impressing first-team coachesCredit: Getty - Contributor
Garner has been integrated into the first-team this season
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Garner has been integrated into the first-team this seasonCredit: Getty - Contributor
Solskjaer insists Garner is made in the same mould as former United midfielder and coach Carrick
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Solskjaer insists Garner is made in the same mould as former United midfielder and coach CarrickCredit: Getty - Contributor

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He told the : "I'm made up. Obviously it's what I've been working for since the Under-8s and Under-9s.

"I'm proud for myself and for my family but I think it's only the start.

"It's even more special to sign at Old Trafford. It would still have been special signing at the Aon Training Complex but this is even more special."

As is Garner. He was afforded little more than a minute at Selhurst Park but the youngster eased into the role and brought an assurance to United's midfield.

Garner was part of the United U18s that won the Premier League North title last year
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Garner was part of the United U18s that won the Premier League North title last yearCredit: Getty - Contributor
Garner wore the armband for England U17s at the European Championships
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Garner wore the armband for England U17s at the European ChampionshipsCredit: Getty Images - Getty
Garner met WWE wrestler Rey Mysterio while on pre-season tour with the first-team last summer
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Garner met WWE wrestler Rey Mysterio while on pre-season tour with the first-team last summerCredit: Getty - Contributor

And he has benefited from having friends in high places.

Kieran McKenna, promoted to first-team assistant manager last year, handed Garner the captain's armband in the U18s and nominated him for the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award.

Carrick has also raved about the youngster's prospects.

His versatility - Garner can also operate in defence, as Carrick did - will help see more opportunities come his way.

And as Solskjaer repeatedly speaks of United's traditions, Garner is the one breaking through the pack.

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