Manchester United loanee James Garner explains what he's learning at Nottingham Forest

24.01.2022 - 19:13 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk

James Garner had told Manchester United what he learned from his first east midlands derby victory.

Having spent time on loan with Nottingham Forest last season, the 20-year-old returned to the City Ground this campaign and has played against their arch rivals Derby County — managed by United icon Wayne Rooney — three times in the last 12 months.

Each of those first two meetings finished 1-1 and Garner even scored a rare goal against the Rams last term.

However, with the games taking place behind closed doors, it wasn't quite an authentic derby day atmosphere.

As the devastating Covid-19 pandemic continues to ease, supporters have returned to stadiums across the board and Garner, along with his Forest teammates, were cheered on to a 2-1 victory vs Derby on Saturday afternoon by close to 30,000 spectators.

It was a win that has moved Forest to within four points of the play-offs and the United prospect has explained what it meant to him to play in such an important fixture — and what he learned.

Speaking to BBC Radio Nottingham, Garner said: "They scored their goal and it was a bit frantic towards the end.

"But the team dug deep and we have that winning mentality at the moment. We saw the minutes out."

Which academy player will break through next? Have your say in the comments section below.

On the general occasion, Garner added: "It's a derby, isn't it? That's what we expected, but I think we managed the game well.

"I love just playing football, whether that's on the ball or whether that's off the ball. It was a different game for me, getting stuck in and winning second balls. That's nothing new to me.

"The fans were amazing. There was an atmosphere in here from minute one until the end. It was top. I loved it."

Sign up