James Garner has opened up about his departure from Manchester United, revealing that a candid conversation with Erik ten Hag convinced him it was time to leave the club after 13 years. The young English midfielder, who had risen through United’s academy, left the club during the same summer that Ten Hag was appointed as manager in 2022.

In a recent interview, Garner reflected on the pivotal moment that led to his exit, describing Ten Hag as “strict” and admitting that the conversation made it clear that his future lay elsewhere.

“Erik ten Hag is a strict manager. When we spoke, I realized that I wasn’t going to get the opportunities I wanted under him,” Garner explained. “He was very honest, and after that conversation, I knew it was time to move on.”

Garner, who had spent most of his career at Manchester United, acknowledged that leaving the club he had been with since childhood was not an easy decision. However, the midfielder felt that it was the right move for his development and career growth.

“It was tough to leave after 13 years, especially having come through the academy. Manchester United has been a huge part of my life, but sometimes you need to make difficult decisions for the sake of your career,” he said. “I had to go somewhere where I could get regular game time and continue to develop.”

The midfielder, now making his mark at Everton, has flourished since leaving Old Trafford. He has become a key figure for the Toffees and is grateful for the opportunity to showcase his abilities at the highest level.

“I feel like I’m in a good place now. I’m playing regularly, and I’m happy with how things are going. I’ll always be grateful to Manchester United for everything, but I needed to make that step to move forward in my career,” Garner concluded.

Garner’s departure serves as a reminder of the tough decisions players often face in their careers.