Paul Merson issues verdict on Omari Forson’s display on full Manchester United debut

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Paul Merson has issued his verdict on the performance of Omari Forson as the 19-year-old made his full debut for Manchester United in their defeat to Fulham on Saturday.

Manchester United saw their five-game winning run come to an end at Old Trafford. A stoppage-time winner from Alex Iwobi decided a contest in which the visitors were superb.

Of course, the young players within the Manchester United squad have given fans reason for optimism of late. Kobbie Mainoo has been outstanding, and Rasmus Hojlund looks to be the real deal.

Paul Merson reacts as Omari Forson makes full Manchester United debut

Perhaps that came into Erik ten Hag’s thinking when he decided to hand Omari Forson a full debut against the Cottagers. The 19-year-old started on the right, with Marcus Rashford moving up front in Hojlund’s place.

Unfortunately, it proved to be a hugely disappointing day for United. And Forson was replaced just eight minutes into the second-half.

Speaking on Soccer Saturday (broadcast on Sky Sports; 24/2; 16:13), Paul Merson suggested that Forson was unable to make the most of the opportunity – though that was not all down to the teenager.

“He’s just gone off. McTominay’s come on for Casemiro who’s cut his head. And Eriksen’s come on for Forson. He really didn’t get in the game. It was hard for him,” he said.

“When you’re a young kid and you come into the team, you’re relying on the team to play well. They didn’t play well in that first-half. Obviously, he suffers at the same time. So, felt sorry for the kid. It’s a great experience for him. But the players around him, for me, let him down. They didn’t perform around him, which would’ve helped him.”

Youngster may not be ready

Both Amad Diallo and Antony came off later on in the second-half. So it would potentially be a surprise if Forson got another chance to start again in the very near future.

Antony has been poor throughout his time at Old Trafford. And Amad is still developing and finding his way into ten Hag’s side.

But the decision to use Forson did not exactly pay off. And ten Hag will be asking himself if the England under-20 international is quite ready.