Erik ten Hag explains surprising Omari Forson call-up for Man Utd's Fulham clash

24 February 2024 , 15:20

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Omari Forson started for Man Utd against Fulham

Erik ten Hag has named Omari Forson in his Manchester United starting XI to face Fulham because he deserves the chance for his performances over the past six months.

Forson was drafted into the United squad for the pre-season trip to the United States last summer before being promoted into the first-team squad this term. However, the 19-year-old didn't end up making his senior debut until coming on as a second-half substitute against Wigan in the FA Cup last month.

He made his Premier League bow in the thrilling 4-3 victory over Wolves on February 1, but has now been given his full debut by Ten Hag for the visit of Fulham. Forson, who replaces the injured Rasmus Hojlund, is set to feature alongside Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford in attack.

Explaining why Forson has been included, Ten Hag told MUTV: "Because he deserves the position. Lately, he's performing very well, over the last half year he's worked very hard, showed his progression.

"And when he came on against Wolves and Newport he had some impact, for instance with the goal for Kobbie Mainoo, he had the link up and good run behind. That's what we expect from him. He showed reliability and now he gets his chance, so he has to take his chance.

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"They [the attackers] have to stay and occupy certain spaces but they can swap positions. It's about how they're standing in their defensive transition, so it can't be a mess, it's very clear who has to play where.

Omari Forson has replaced Rasmus Hojlund in the Manchester United starting XI (Getty Images)

"But he will be fluid and we will be unpredictable sometimes. Those players have the capabilities, the dynamics, they want to find space, run abilities but also link up abilities. It's important we have connections there but if we get it, they can be a threat and connect with each other."

As well as bringing in Forson, Ten Hag also made one other enforced change to his side. Victor Lindelof has come in for Luke Shaw, who is set to miss the rest of the season with a leg problem.

Meanwhile, Toby Collyer has made the United bench for the first time. Asked why he has been chosen, Ten Hag said: "He showed some good stuff. He showed potential. We have some problems [injuries] but for him it's an opportunity to be involved and he has to be ready to come on because that's required when you're on the bench."

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Kieran King