Erik ten Hag has made a huge line-up call that will resonate well with Manchester United fans, as Carrington graduate Omari Forson makes his first-ever Premier League start against Fulham this afternoon.
The 19-year-old has made just three senior appearances this term, twice in the FA Cup and once in the league, with all of them coming as a substitute.
He received plaudits following his four-minute cameo at the Molineux on February 1 when he assisted Kobbie Mainoo’s scintillating winner that clinched a crucial three points on the road.
Now that Rasmus Hojlund has been ruled out of action with a calf injury, Ten Hag has opted to utilise United’s youth prospects and keep his wingers, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho, unchanged on either flank.
Forson pips senior forwards to starting spot
Samuel Luckhurst took to Twitter (X) following the team news announcement to give his verdict on the starting 11, claiming that Forson’s inclusion ‘reflects damningly’ on Antony, although no fan in attendance will be ‘disappointed to see him on the bench’. The attacker, who celebrates his 24th birthday today, is yet to start a league game in 2024 and was an unused substitute in the past two matches.
He added that Amad Diallo ‘probably has to move on in the summer’ despite deserving increased game time. The 21-year-old has featured just once this campaign in all competitions, coming off the bench in the second half as United fell to a 2-1 defeat against Nottingham Forest on December 30.
