Erik ten Hag took the time to explain to Omari Forson why he had decided to substitute him early against Borussia Dortmund.
Manchester United oversaw the final game of their pre-season tour of the United States in the early hours of this morning.
They sustained a 3-2 defeat to Bundesliga giants, with goals from Diogo Dalot and Antony proving not enough to sway the friendly in the Reds’ favour.
Forson was named in the heavily-rotated starting line-up as the manager provided another chance for the youngster to prove himself among his senior teammates.
However, the 19-year-old was involved in a heated clash with Dortmund’s Julian Ryerson – he kicked out at the defender and then came head-to-head with Karim Adeyemi, earning himself a booking in the process.
Ten Hag subsequently ordered Antony to begin his warm-up and replaced Forson with the Brazilian in the 38th minute, with the teenager looking disgruntled to not even reach the halfway point.
He was then consoled by the Dutch boss, who took the time to stand with him for several minutes – likely explaining the reasoning behind the switch.
Erik ten Hag has a long chat with Forson… #MUFC pic.twitter.com/dj2RTyrKzo
— Stretford Paddock (@StretfordPaddck) July 31, 2023
Footage courtesy of Stretford Paddock.
Ten Hag explains Forson sub
Post-match, Ten Hag recounted the incident and said (via Evening Standard): “When there is a VAR, he gets sent off. He played a good game and the opponent gets annoyed with him, so that is a learning curve but don’t take it into your own hands.
“You can’t be the judge, you have to play football,” Ten Hag continued. “You have to beat your opponent, you have to net and that is the best way to react.”
