Manchester United fans have had their say on Omari Forson after the Red Devils youth academy prospect received a rare start for Erik ten Hag’s men.
Erik ten Hag was forced to shuffle his Manchester United attacking line for Saturday’s Premier League clash against Fulham after an injury to Rasmus Hojlund.
Hojlund had been in a rich vein of form and had scored eight times in his last eight matches for United, including in six consecutive Premier League appearances.
However, the 21-year-old Denmark striker was ruled out for the Fulham match at Old Trafford and United said Hojlund could be out for at least “two to three weeks.”
United manager Ten Hag deployed Marcus Rashford as the sole striker in the absence of Hojlund, with Bruno Fernandes playing behind the England international.
Alejandro Garnacho started on the left in support of Rashford while Omari Forson took his place out on the right ahead of Antony and Amad Diallo.
READ MORE: Rasmus Hojlund breaks his silence for first time since injury setback as Man Utd star sends message
Omari Forson vs Fulham
Omari Forson received his first-team Manchester United debut under Erik ten Hag after he came on for a brief cameo against Wigan in the FA Cup last month.
The 19-year-old United player made his Premier League debut earlier this month, with Forson coming off the bench and setting up Kobbie Mainoo for the winner against Wolves.
Speaking ahead of the Fulham match, Ten Hag revealed why he turned to Forson for the Premier League clash at Old Trafford over Antony or Amad Diallo.
“We have to replace Rasmus Hojlund and then you look at what is the best balance for this game, then the progression and development of the players and what they are showing during training sessions,” he said, as per the BBC.
“He [Forson] came twice lately in games against Newport and Wolves. Against Wolves, he had a very good moment where he was decisive in making Kobbie Mainoo’s goal, so he deserves to play and, of course, now he has to show it.
“But he proved it when he came on as a sub and in training.”
Despite making an impact against Wolves earlier this month, Forson’s first Premier League start for United was a largely forgettable performance.
The United teenager did not offer much in the final third in the first half and failed to impress fans with his overall display against Fulham at Old Trafford.
Forson’s underwhelming performance lasted 53 minutes, with Ten Hag withdrawing the United youngster and replacing him with Christian Eriksen.
Man Utd fans react to Forson’s performance
United fans on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, were far from convinced with Ten Hag’s decision to start Forson over United winger Diallo.
Red Devils supporters felt that it was too soon for Forson to start for United, with one fan calling his first-half performance against Fulham “plain.”
One X user posted: “I truly hope Amad has fitness issues or something because I’ve got no clue how Forson has started instead of him. Kid does not look ready at all. Actually, he looks out of his depth. It’s not fair on him or Amad.”
Another wrote: “Omari Forson is either not ready or isn’t equipped to play at this level. I hope it is the former.”
“Garnacho [is] the only forward who’s turned up. Bruno, Rashford and Forson offered nothing at all,” a third said.
Someone else commented: “Forson isn’t even playing through the middle, so why on earth is he getting a chance over Amad? This manager, man.”
While a fifth added: “From what I’ve seen of this Forson lad, Amad should be livid. The kid’s just running. Pre-season all he did was run, too.”
A sixth tweeted: “I really hope Amad has a fitness issue because Amad does exactly what Forson is doing but would be potentially better.”
Somebody else said: “I don’t have any problem with Forson but I would not think he’s better than Amad.”
“Omari Forson’s footballing IQ is better than Antony’s. On that note, Forson played a plain first half,” another posted.
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