The team needed to put on a strong show against the Blades after their capitulation on Sunday but it was the visitors who drew first blood after a careless mistake from Andre Onana.

Harry Maguire equalised before half-time but the second half once again saw Chris Wilder’s side re-take the lead through Ben Brereton Diaz.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes then took matters into his own hands, scoring from the spot to restore parity before unleashing a left-footed piledriver to hand the Red Devils the lead.

The Portuguese was not done yet as he then registered an assist for the team’s fourth netted by Rasmus Hojlund, who also ended his six-game drought.

United’s new approach

Erik ten Hag’s side clinched all three points and went up to sixth in the table and it was interesting to see the team adopt a more possession-based approach instead of the usual transition-heavy style.

Whether the change was necessitated due to Jason Wilcox’s instructions is still not clear. How the team approaches the upcoming tests will shed further light on whether this approach will be the blueprint moving forward.

The other big highlight from the game was the emergence of academy sensation Ethan Wheatley from the bench in the 90th minute. The 18-year-old became the 250th academy star to debut for the first team, a remarkable stat and testimony to the work put in behind the scenes at Carrington.

The centre-forward has 11 goals and four assists for United’s age group teams this season including a hat-trick against the Liverpool U18s earlier this month. The United U18s have run rampant all season, clinching a league and cup double.

He has been a part of the matchday squad for the games against Coventry City in the FA Cup and Bournemouth in the league and finally got a chance against the Blades.

With Anthony Martial set to leave, and with Hojlund still not fully adapted, Wheatley has the chance to try and rack up a few more caps and hopefully score before the season concludes.

With United set to go all out for a striker in the summer, the England U17 international might find chances hard to come by next season and Givemesport have already revealed that plenty of EFL clubs are interested in a potential loan.

Wheatley’s future

Academy full-back Harry Amass has also been on the first team bench a lot recently is also subject of loan interest as is Omari Forson, whose contract ends in the summer and there is plenty of uncertainty surrounding his future.

“Ethan Wheatley’s goal exploits for the Under 18 side has made him a major loan target for Championship and League One clubs next season.

“And the striker isn’t the only United player being eyed for a loan opportunity. Left-back Harry Amass and midfielder Omari Forson are both interesting Championship sides.”

More academy debutants could be on the way as the likes of Jack Fletcher, Habeeb Ogunneye, and Shea Lacey are all champing at the bit.

Whatever happens next summer, Wheatley should be proud of his rise but he needs to keep focussing on improving as the hard work has only just started.

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Manchester United have given nearly three times the amount of minutes (3,637) to teenagers in the Premier League this season than the rest of the top 6 combined (1,245).

Fans of the Red Devils have been forced to tolerate a lot this season. After finishing third last season and winning a trophy for the first time since Jose Mourinho delivered the Europa League in 2017, hopes were high at the start of the year.

However, ever since United’s midfield was ripped to pieces in a highly unconvincing home win against Wolves on opening day, expectations have sunk and the Old Trafford outfit find themselves in sixth, well off the Champions League places.

Erik ten Hag’s men followed this up with a pathetic showing in the Champions League which saw them finish last, while their Carabao Cup defence also fell at the second hurdle.

In the midst of this abject form, an FA Cup semi-final against Coventry City and the sheer number of games that young players have played this season are the two shining lights of this campaign.

Manchester United have given nearly three times the amount of minutes (3,637) to teenagers in the Premier League this season than the rest of the Top 6 combined (1,245):

MAN UTD (3,637)
Man City (698)
Aston Villa (360)
4⃣ Liverpool (117)
5⃣ Spurs (56)
6⃣ Arsenal (14)… pic.twitter.com/XVnQovaSav

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) April 9, 2024

The Red Devils dominate their PL rivals when it comes to giving teenagers minutes, especially in comparison to the rest of the top six. Whilst United have given 3,637 minutes to teenagers, league leaders Arsenal have only allowed 14 minutes. Manchester City have provided 698 minutes and bitter rivals Liverpool a paltry 117.

Alejandro Garnacho, at only 19 years old, has quickly turned himself into the side’s most potent attacking weapons, as he has scored nine goals and created another four in all competitions this campaign.

The Peoples Person relayed back in February that the Argentine had played more minutes than any other teen in the division. Furthermore, the 19 year old recently tied Michael Owen’s record by scoring a brace as a teenager in three different league games this season, most recently at Stamford Bridge.

In addition, the rise of 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo will always be synonymous with the 2023/2024 season. The young Stockport native has dazzled pundits and fans alike and, in a similar vein to Garnacho, has cemented himself as a vital cog of the team. The youngster does so many things so well but two wonder strikes versus Wolves and Liverpool will live long in the memory.

The most impressive thing about both players is not only the minutes they are playing but how crucial their contributions are. These goals also helped United break another youth record as they helped United become the team with most goals scored by teenagers in Premier League history.

It is scary to think where Ten Hag’s side would be without Garnacho or Mainoo this season.

Willy Kambwala has had nothing like the influence of the aforementioned two, but this season may just have unearthed yet another future gem.

The 19-year-old Frenchman did himself proud when he had to step in alongside Jonny Evans at West Ham due to an injury crisis in December. Ever since, he has been a regular squad member and made substitute appearances versus Manchester City and Chelsea.

However, his display against Liverpool, when he played his first ever 90 minute game for United, was widely praised and has got fans excited about another academy product making his breakthrough at Old Trafford.

Similarly, 19-year-old Omari Forson was also given his Premier League debut this campaign and will hope for a taste of more in the coming future.

Youth development has always been vital to the lifeblood of the club and in such dark times, fans will be relieved that. at least in this regard, United’s future looks very bright.

The star-studded under-18s who recently mauled Liverpool 1-9 are a testament to that and, logically, supporters at Old Trafford can look forward to more fresh-faced teenagers making their mark in the coming seasons at the Theatre of Dreams.

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Amad has only managed 46 minutes of Premier League action since he returned from a long-term injury that ruled him out of action for the first half of the season.

His lack of playing time has especially been puzzling considering just how much Antony has been ineffective. The Brazilian has yet to register a goal contribution in the top flight this term.

Jadon Sancho was also released and allowed to join Borussia Dortmund on loan.

Despite all this, Amad has been an unused substitute in six of United’s last seven Premier League outings. At times, even academy starlet Omari Forson has been preferred ahead of the Ivorian.

Forson started United’s clash against Fulham and was brought on from the bench ahead of Amad in United’s subsequent game vs. Manchester City. It’s however likely that Forson was given the chance to play in those games due to his contract situation.

The Carrington academy graduate’s deal is set to expire in June and he has so far resisted attempts from the club to urge him to put pen to paper on fresh terms that would see him extend his stay at Old Trafford.

Amad made his mark during United’s FA Cup quarter-final clash against Liverpool last weekend. The 21-year-old bagged the winning goal with just seconds left on the clock in extra time.

He was sent off after receiving a second booking for taking his shirt off while celebrating his all-important strike which sent United through to the semi-final of the competition. He later admitted that he forgot he was already on a yellow card.

Amad’s situation was discussed during the latest episode of The Stick to Football Podcast.

Neville and his colleagues including Ian Wright deliberated on why the United forward has been used very sparingly by Ten Hag despite his obvious talent and potential.

Wright said to Neville, “I bumped into him last night at a restaurant, Diallo.”

“You know what I was really surprised with, do you remember when they played Forson in that game a couple of weeks ago?”

“They didn’t start him [Amad] but they started Forson, but then he came on in that game. I was thinking, with his experience at Sunderland and Rangers before, I thought they would have started him.”

Neville agreed and added that it was indeed peculiar why Ten Hag hasn’t handed him more opportunities.

The United legend remarked, “Over the last month or so it’s been a bit of an odd one that he’s not been given a chance because obviously a few others have.”

Ten Hag of course previously addressed Amad’s lack of minutes and blamed it on intense competition for places within the ranks.

The post “A bit of an odd one…”: Gary Neville probes Erik ten Hag’s puzzling treatment of Amad Diallo appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Mainoo has been one of the success stories of United this season, during a campaign in which the Red Devils have been very inconsistent and poor on the pitch.

The 18-year-old has often outshone his more senior and experienced teammates. Mainoo has impressed with his cool, calm and composed displays, which have even seen calls for him to be included in the England squad ahead of the Euros.

Earlier this term, Forson became the 249th academy graduate to make his senior debut for the club.

Last weekend, during United’s 2-1 loss against Fulham, Forson made his first senior start for United in an attacking trio also consisting of Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho.

Forson was given the nod by Erik ten Hag ahead of the likes of Amad Diallo and Antony.

Tom Huddlestone spoke to SPORTbible and explained that Mainoo and Forson’s talent and potential always meant that they were destined to achieve great things at Old Trafford.

Huddlestone said, “On my first day at Carrington, I came up and had a look at the lads in training. I was speaking to a friend on the way back home and said, ‘There are two lads who stood out during that session and one of them is a player called Kobbie Mainoo. He looks like a younger version of Yaya Toure.’”

“The other player was Omari [Forson]. He reminds me of the way Bukayo Saka plays. He’s good with both feet and can finish very well, especially with his left foot.”

“Two or three months into last season and Kobbie had already smashed all of his targets and then by the end of it, he was training regularly with the first-team. To do what he’s doing as an 18-year-old, at a club of this size, is some going. It looks like he’s been doing it for years. He’s as composed as anyone I’ve ever seen and that comes from self-confidence in your touch, your manipulation of the ball and your passing ability.”

Huddlestone praised United for their tradition of promoting youngsters and nurturing them to become world-class players and global superstars.

“It’s in the DNA of the club. It has always given opportunities for a way through the academy and into the first-team. We are mentoring them on their way through, because we saw their potential was higher than the current squad players in that moment and in that position. There were players who had the potential and we have given them the time to develop and to progress.”

“It shows that if you’re consistent enough in training and have the ability, then you’ve got a chance. We’ve already seen the manager isn’t shy when it comes to keeping academy players in and around that first-team environment.”

The 37-year-old gave some insight into his roles and responsibilities at Carrington as player-coach.

He explained that his main job revolves around helping the youngsters and getting them as much playing time as possible.

The former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder divulged that he regularly trains with the under-21s team as he needs to keep fit so that he can perform on the pitch when the need arises. As per Huddlestone, he acts like a coach during games to remind United’s developing stars to implement what was practised days before.

He emphasized that he also works in close partnership with Ten Hag and his coaching staff to ensure the Dutchman’s football philosophy and principles are passed down to the youth teams.

The post Man United player-coach Tom Huddlestone says Kobbie Mainoo and Omari Forson remind him of Yaya Toure and Bukayo Saka appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Erik ten Hag, who was already without Lisandro Martinez, also lost Luke Shaw and Rasmus Hojlund in the lead-up to Saturday’s clash.

In came Victor Lindelof at left back while the Dutchman opted to push out-of-form Marcus Rashford up top while selecting Omari Forson as part of a fluid front three.

This was the 19-year-old’s first start in the Premier League and he showed glimpses of his talent before being subbed off in the second half.

Forson’s future

The teen had made his debut for the club in the FA Cup while he registered an assist on his league debut when his pass was expertly finished off by Kobbie Mainoo in the game against Wolves.

It was interesting to see the manager opted for the academy graduate instead of his expensive recruit Antony and Amad Diallo.

The England U20 international was used as a winger in pre-season by the former Ajax coach but he has suggested Forson could play as the striker due to the shortage of options at his disposal.

The youngster is embroiled in a contract stand-off with the club with his current deal set to end in June. There were reports stating contract extension talks were going smoothly only for the player to change his agent and things have been downhill ever since.

The London-born star is attracting interest from Newcastle United and other Premier League clubs and The Athletic have claimed that Ten Hag choosing to hand more and more opportunities to Forson could backfire spectacularly.

Many have clamoured for Amad to be given a chance after his heroics for Sunderland in the Championship last term and the former Atalanta starlet has impressed in his cameos.

Ten Hag opting for Forson is a major show of faith and United’s argument is this should show to the player’s camp that chances are there to be had.

“Industry sources, not linked to United, noted how playing Forson against Fulham would “hamper” the club on the contractual side, pointing to the fact that it will raise his profile, which could make it more difficult to keep him.

Forson has EtH’s trust

“United, however, would argue that by playing him, it shows there is a clear pathway into the first team.”

“He (Forson) looked so focused,” a source told the publication. “Erik has done a brilliant job with him and he has involved him in a lot of things, and first-team managers don’t always buy into younger players. Erik is a big advocate of his.”

It will be interesting to see what the youngster decides to do in the coming months. Ten Hag has shown his cards and now it is up to Forson.

United are due compensation in case the player leaves but quite a few have gone on to the prove the club wrong since leaving Old Trafford. INEOS will be eager to avoid such a scenario.

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Manchester United boss, Erik ten Hag, has spoken of the importance of both Omari Forson and Amad Diallo in the upcoming matches for the Red Devils.

With United’s fitness problems continuing to mount up, Rasmus Hojlund’s injury has meant that Marcus Rashford has had to move into the centre forward position and Alejandro Garnacho has moved back to the left wing, after playing since the new year on the right.

This means there is a vacancy to fill on the right hand side of the attack.

The penny has seemingly finally dropped for Ten Hag that his expensive flop, Antony, is not good enough to fulfil the role and other options will be needed.

Academy product, Omari Forson, made his Premier League debut at the weekend but got little chance to impress as the whole team suffered to find any sort of rhythm.

Amad Diallo also got a rare outing off the bench when he was given the final ten minutes as the Red Devils searched for a goal.

Speaking after the game to the BBC (via the club’s official website) the Dutchman praised both his young players’ performance in the loss.

Commenting on Forson’s first Premier League start he stated, “I think it was reasonable. He had some good actions. He was reliable in defending and had some good actions in possession. I saw, for his first time, he did well.”

The former Ajax coach also spoke highly of Diallo’s role in the game in spite of the limited time he was on the pitch.

“Amad looks very sharp. I think it was a good sub [performance] from him. I think that’s good for the future”.

The 54 year old then added how important the two players would be over the course of the next few weeks until the Mancunian team’s injury woes subside a little.

“We need them because we have our problems in the frontline. So it’s about them, to show they can contribute to this team, that they can have an end product but also to show [re]liability.”

It will be interesting to see who the increasingly under-fire coach opts for on the right wing on Wednesday night, in what is a crucial cup tie against Nottingham Forest.

Lose that and one feels that Ten Hag will really be feeling the heat.

The post Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has spoken of the importance of both Omari Forson and Amad Diallo in his side’s upcoming fixtures appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Erik ten Hag was forced into two personnel changes, with Luke Shaw and Rasmus Hojlund ruled out of the clash with injuries.

Andre Onana started in goal with a defensive four of Diogo Dalot, Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof ahead of him.

It was Lindelof’s first start in more than two months.

In midfield, Ten Hag gave the nod to Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes.

Marcus Rashford started his 200th Premier League game in an attacking line also consisting of Alejandro Garnacho and Omari Forson, who was making his first senior start for United.

Here are three things we learned from Manchester United’s 2-1 defeat against Fulham.

Poor first half

United were very poor in the opening 45 minutes and were lucky not to go into the break one or two goals down.

The Red Devils appeared very lethargic and lacked any real urgency in whatever actions they were trying to execute.

The Cottagers were first to everything, with their midfield of Sasa Lukic, Andreas Pereira, Alex Iwobi and Harry Wilson doing a good job of pegging United into their own half.

Marco Silva’s men fashioned the better and more clear-cut chances.

Iwobi could have broken the deadlock early on. Fulham did well, with their midfielders combining to open up United. Muniz dragged his defender away as Iwobi kept on going. Fortunately, the Nigerian superstar’s shot was off target.

Iwobi had another chance to get on the score sheet when he was put through on goal by Pereira. He sent Varane the wrong way but once again, just dragged his shot wide with only Onana to beat.

Pereira also had two cracks at goal. The ex-United man had an early shot easily saved by Onana. However, for the Brazilian’s second attempt – a curling effort worried the goalkeeper a bit more but the Cameroonian managed to get a strong hand to it.

Muniz came the closest to shedding first blood for his side. The striker received a ball inside the United box, showed good strength to shrug off Lindelof and turn before thumping it into the post.

United’s best chance came through Dalot whose 25-yarder clipped the woodwork to go wide. Garnacho also had a sight of goal but his shot was cleared off the line by a Fulham defender.

Beyond dominating in terms of chances created, Fulham were better defensively. They kept United at bay and prevented them from mounting any meaningful spells of pressure or possession.

At times in the first half, United’s play seemed too frantic and rushed. Often, the 20-time English champions resorted to long balls and hopeful diagonals in an attempt to drive up the pitch and cause Fulham problems.

The passing was awful and United never really got into their rhythm –  a surprise considering the winning run the team has been on recently.

Most of the club’s players were below-par. The likes of Casemiro, Fernandes, Rashford and Lindelof all didn’t cover themselves in glory.

The team’s performance in the first period of the game reeked of a side not well-coached, poorly drilled or unable to execute the manager’s instructions effectively.

United certainly rode their luck and were lucky not to have been punished for their woeful display. No doubt Ten Hag would have made his players aware of his dissatisfaction.

Ten Hag not doing himself any favours

United somehow managed to play even worse in the second half and while the players are to blame, the responsibility ultimately lies with Ten Hag.

It’s been worrying all season that United can’t seem to control games even against the weakest of oppositions.

Even when they’ve won, the Red Devils haven’t been really convincing and have left a lot to be desired. Fulham was always going to be a tough test but United made it harder for themselves.

The London outfit took the lead in the 65th minute through Calvin Bassey – from a corner kick. Set pieces have been an issue for United all term but to date, this weakness has yet to be addressed.

United were unable to clear the lines and handed Bassey two tries at goal. The first hit a player but on his second attempt, the defender made no mistake as he fired the ball into the roof of the net.

Even before Fulham scored, the fans at Old Trafford were evidently restless and at some point grew agitated by the slow pace of the team’s play. The groans were audible whenever a play decided to pass back even when there was an option of going forward.

More glaring, Fulham fans were taunting the home support with chants of “How s— must you be, we’re winning away”. For context, Silva’s side had not won in the league since the opening day of the campaign.

United restored parity in the 87th minute courtesy of Maguire.

Fernandes launched a shot that was spilt by Bernd Leno. Luckily, Maguire was at the right place at the right time to tap the ball in from close range.

However, with United pushing for a winning goal after nine minutes were added on, Fulham took the lead once more to secure their victory and clinch all three points.

Adama Traore unsurprisingly beat Eriksen and Maguire for pace and broke into the final third. The ball found its way to Iwobi inside the box. The Fulham star scored to break United fans’ hearts.

As if symbolically, Garnacho collapsed to the ground in utter defeat while Fernandes could be seen in a fit of rage.

After confirmation that he had completed his deal for a partial 27.7% investment into the club, Sir Jim Ratcliffe spoke to the media and opened up on a number of issues including the future of Ten Hag under his regime.

Ratcliffe refused to give assurances that the Dutchman will be at the helm by next season, instead choosing to highlight the poor environment at United managers have had to work under in recent years.

In fact, the INEOS billionaire hinted at a possible change in the dugout by claiming his organisation is not brutal but at times, radical decisions must be made.

Just hours later, Ratcliffe spoke to financial outfit Bloomberg and was once again questioned about Ten Hag’s tenure.

The British businessman evaded the question again and gave a general answer that didn’t give too much away.

"Do you have confidence in the manager?"

Manchester United's new owner Jim Ratcliffe tells Bloomberg that "this is not about" manager Erik ten Hag, as speculation continues about the billionaire's future plans for the team https://t.co/Xg8kmkDvTm pic.twitter.com/ZozYp48tWH

— Bloomberg (@business) February 23, 2024

INEOS are definitely watching. Sir Dave Brailsford was in the stands. The new regime, like most of the fans, can’t be happy with what happens on the pitch every week.

Ten Hag is not doing himself any favours and is making it easier for him to be sacked.

Antony is firmly at the bottom of the pecking order

During his presser ahead of United’s clash vs. Fulham, Ten Hag weighed in on Antony’s situation and why the winger is currently not playing.

In United’s last two matches vs. Aston Villa and Luton Town, Antony has not had a taste of minutes.

Ten Hag insisted that Antony is still in his plans and it was up to him to do better. The player who turned 24 today, has yet to register a goal or assist in the Premier League this season.

However, the United boss overlooked him once again against Fulham.

It was more telling that when things got tough, Ten Hag resorted to other players ahead of Antony – a player he coached at Ajax and splashed so much money on to bring to the club.

In the absence of Rasmus Hojlund, Ten Hag preferred naming Forson in the starting XI instead of the more experienced Antony.

In the 53rd minute, Ten Hag made his first personnel changes. He brought on Christian Eriksen and Scott McTominay for Forson and Casemiro respectively. It’s important to note that Antony was on the bench.

In the dying embers of proceedings, Ten Hag brought on Amad Diallo to replace young Mainoo.

Even Diallo, who has barely had a sniff since coming back from injury seems to be ahead of Antony in the pecking order. Antony was substituted with just seconds remaining on the clock.

The post Three things we learned as Man United suffer late heartbreak in 2-1 loss vs. Fulham appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

The current streak stands at four games and with a clash away to Nottingham Forest next in the FA Cup, they can extend it to six before a marquee game away to Manchester City.

However, the immediate thoughts are on the next game as Fulham pose a unique threat due to their multi-dimensional attack and transition supremacy.

Here are the three battles that will decide the fate of the game-

Andreas Pereira vs Casemiro

Casemiro endured a torrid time against Luton Town as the quick and pacy attackers repeatedly bypassed him. He was hooked at half-time as the game flew by his ageing legs. It was the first concrete scenario where he looked a step slower than the game.

Against Fulham, the pacy attackers won’t be as big a threat, but he will need to rein in his foul-happy ways to ensure United avoid a sucker punch by the former Red Devil in Andreas Pereira.

The Brazilian is no longer the player who was ridiculed at Old Trafford. He has developed into the creative hub of Fulham, especially due to his mastery of set pieces. United struggle to defend set-pieces with conviction, Casemiro fouls a lot, and Pereira is a menace from set-pieces.

This will go disastrously if at least one of these three things doesn’t change. One is not in United’s hands (Pereira’s mastery), and the other won’t change overnight (set-piece defending), thereby leaving Casemiro to adapt for this one.

Joao Palhinha vs Bruno Fernandes

Just like it’s the battle of the Brazilians in Pereira vs Casemiro at Fulham’s attacking end, it’s the clash of the Portuguese at United’s.

Palhinha has shrugged off his failed Bayern Munich move in the summer to return to his combative best this season. He is almost a one-man wall in front of the defence, sweeping up everything, tackling hard, and being a general nuisance by closing down space between the lines.

That is precisely the kind of defensive midfielder who can frustrate Fernandes, causing him to rush the play and cede possession.

United have to stop making their games like basketball, end-to-end, and Fernandes is a big reason why that keeps happening. Getting around Palhinha and pulling him away from the heat of the action is a crucial part of making that happen, which will be up to Fernandes.

Omari Forson vs Fulham’s left wing

This is, of course, based on recent reports that the United youngster could be set for his first Premier League start due to Rasmus Hojlund’s absence.

Forson has long been dubbed as the next candidate to make the jump to the first team and the pressure will be on him from the off because if he plays on the right, he will be up against Fulham’s best.

Antonee Robinson and the wily veteran Willian will make it a point to test him repeatedly by pushing forward and testing his commitment to his defensive duties. Forson will be helped by the fact that Diogo Dalot is in the best form of his career but he can’t let the Portuguese get overloaded on that side.

To balance his defensive duties with contribution in attack will be a tall task for the youngster. If he has a star-making game, it could be the start of another brilliant career after Kobbie Mainoo. Sink or swim time.

The post Manchester United vs Fulham tactical preview: Three battles that will decide the game appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Luke Shaw’s injury means there is no specialist left-back at the club and the manager needs to trust academy starlet Harry Amass in place of Victor Lindelof and Sofyan Amrabat.

An even bigger headache that the Dutchman has to solve now is to settle on an attacking triumvirate now that Rasmus Hojlund is set for a spell on the sidelines for the next few weeks.

The Dane, who has been on fire recently, needs to be replaced but with Marcus Rashford struggling upfront, and Anthony Martial sidelined for three months, the manager needs to take a major gamble.

Injury woes

This is exactly why the manager was desperate for attacking additions in January but FFP constraints meant nothing was forthcoming.

Ten Hag had suggested he would have to be clever with his team selections in a bid to solve this issue and now, as per X account Academy Scoop, he is about to throw Omari Forson into the deep end.

The academy graduate had come on in the game against Wolves as a striker and had assisted Kobbie Mainoo’s Fergie time winner.

While physically he might not be quite ready, he has the skills and technical prowess to flourish and Ten Hag feels the 19-year-old has a higher ceiling than Amad Diallo.

Exclusive: Omari Forson set to be handed his first Premier League start against Fulham tomorrow afternoon as a result of #MUFC’s ongoing injury crisis. This follows news of Rasmus Højlund suffering a fitness setback forcing Ten Hag to reconsider attacking personnel. pic.twitter.com/i9DZAkf0kH

— SCOOP. (@AcademyScoop) February 23, 2024

The Ivorian was a standout performer in the Championship last season for Sunderland but has struggled for gametime after returning from injury.

He was tried as a false nine by Ten Hag in his first-ever pre season since taking over the reins of the club but it seems the coaching staff value Forson more than the former Atalanta starlet.

Forson’s time to shine

“Omari Forson set to be handed his first Premier League start against Fulham tomorrow afternoon as a result of MUFC’s ongoing injury crisis.

“This follows news of Rasmus Højlund suffering a fitness setback forcing Ten Hag to reconsider attacking personnel.

“Omari is thought to be appreciated very highly by Ten Hag and his staff. The preference for Forson over Amad is NOT training performance or effort related, but rather based on skillset and potential (in the eyes of Erik and his coaches).”

Whether this turns out to be true or not, only time will tell. But the manager’s usage of Forson over Amad has been there for all to see.

The academy graduate is currently embroiled in a transfer stand-off with the club and Ten Hag’s stance of handing more minutes might just help the club keep a hold of their starlet.

If at all Forson starts, it will be intriguing to see where the manager plays him. Rashford was exceptional last season but he is much stronger on the left. The 19-year-old played on the right during pre-season.

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As Manchester United beat West Ham 3-0 at Old Trafford today, registering another fine performance, it was another reminder of the brilliance of their youth system.

In the last four days, United have scored seven goals against Wolverhampton and West Ham, and Academy graduates played a part in five of those seven goals.

Manchester United have scored 7 goals in the past four days. Of those 7 goals, five academy graduates have been involved:

Garnacho – vs. West Ham
McTominay – vs. Wolves, vs. West Ham
Rashford – vs. Wolves
Mainoo – vs. Wolves
Forson – vs.… pic.twitter.com/CsR3jmN6vs

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) February 4, 2024

Alejandro Garnacho shone once again as the Argentinian scored two against the East London side after Rasmus Hojlund had opened the scoring on his 21st Birthday.

It was Scottish international, Scott McTominay who seized possession from West Ham late on and assisted Garnacho for United’s final goal of the afternoon.

That was after he came off the bench in United’s 4-3 victory over Wolves and got himself on the score sheet.

McTominay has been associated with the club since he was five.

After coming under fire last week, Marcus Rashford silenced his critics as he opened the scoring against Wolves in the opening five minutes on Thursday.

He created plenty of chances against the Hammers but couldn’t find the target himself.

18 year old Kobbie Mainoo, received a standing ovation as he was substituted off in today’s game after he put in another stellar performance.

On Thursday, he teamed up with fellow academy graduate Omari Forson, and netted the winner in the 97th minute against Wolves.

United has a long history of nurturing its youth through to senior level and after the last two games it feels like Ten Hag has really got his squad playing the United way.

It’s a fitting footballing tribute to the Busby Babes as the 66th Anniversary of the Munich Air Disaster approaches.

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