Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has responded to criticism regarding his decision to start Omari Forson in their recent defeat against Fulham on February 24.
The Red Devils suffered a 2-1 loss to Fulham at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Saturday. With injuries sidelining Rasmus Hojlund and Anthony Martial, Ten Hag opted to field academy graduate Forson on the right wing, alongside Marcus Rashford up front.
Forson got the nod over established players like €100 million winger Antony and senior player Amad Diallo. Despite the defeat, Forson displayed promising signs during his 53-minute stint on the field. He completed 17 out of 18 passes, delivered one key pass, created a big chance, and engaged in two duels, albeit unsuccessfully.
In a post-match interview, a journalist implied that perhaps Forson wasn’t quite ready for such a pivotal role. Ten Hag swiftly countered the suggestion, stating (via Manchester Evening News):
“I won’t focus on that notion. I believe he showcased some commendable actions and delivered a reasonable performance. It’s never easy, particularly in the context of a sluggish start, but there were instances of promise. He executed his responsibilities reliably, so I wouldn’t entertain such doubts.”
The match marked Forson’s fourth senior appearance for Manchester United, where he has already contributed with one assist.
Despite the defeat and ongoing struggles, Manchester United exhibited flashes of resilience. However, they ultimately succumbed to Fulham’s late heroics, conceding the winning goal in the 97th minute.
