James Garner's Watford contract has been terminated by mutual consent just hours after Xisco Munoz told reporters the midfielder would get a chance to impress this season.

He will return to Manchester United before a likely loan elsewhere, with Queens Park Rangers among a number of Championship clubs interested. 

The on loan Manchester United midfielder has played just 40 minutes of football in two substitute appearances following the Spaniard's arrival, with Will Hughes's return to fitness adding extra competition for the squad.

Garner looked particularly frustrated during the game against Stoke City when he had been told to prepare to come on as a substitute, only for the coach to change his mind at the last minute and leave the player unused on the bench.

Manchester United were monitoring the situation and would rather he was playing for a team where he would be given more regular first team opportunities than he was getting at Vicarage Road, with other Championship clubs interested, including Queens Park Rangers.

While there was some uncertainty regarding Garner's place at Watford, Munoz told a press conference yesterday that he was "very happy" with the player's contribution and gave assurances he would be given time to play this season.

"I'm very happy with James, he's a big professional," said Munoz. "He's working every day excellently and all I can say is: 'Sorry, man, wait for your opportunity and when you have your opportunity, you have to show everyone that no one can take you out of the first 11.'"