Ghanaian starlet Omari Forson became the latest player to step up to under-23 level on Monday night when he scored and also provided two important assists on his Manchester United debut in a 6-2 win against Derby County.
The 16-year old midfield sensation made an immediate impression, providing an assist after just 27 seconds.
Lining up on the right wing, Forson played the ball into Anthony Elanga, who turned and rifled in a fierce strike to net his 10th goal of the season.
Forson’s first 45 minutes at under-23 level was an entertaining one, with Man. United going in 4-2 up. The team went on to win 6-2.
Debutant Forson played Elanga through on goal again midway through the first half, and while his shot was saved, Shola Shoretire was on hand to tap in the rebound.
Forson then got on the scoresheet, latching onto a Shoretire through ball, and he struck the ball low with his left foot to beat the on-rushing goalkeeper at his near post through his legs.
In the second half Forson provided a second assist, playing in Elanga with a one-touch pass, who dribbled past two opponents to score.
16 Year Old Omari Forson scores on his U23'S debut for #MUFC. pic.twitter.com/FB41BJ1hkd
— Vishy (@vishy_united) May 3, 2021
It capped a dream start at under-23 level for the youngster, who played 76 minutes, and showed he is ready to step up next season on a regular basis.
Like Shoretire, Forson can play across the front line, and is a creative player who makes things happen in the final third.
This season Omari Forson has five goals and five assists for United’s under-18s in 12 appearances, and feature for the 18s just two days before this start for the 23s.
He missed a chunk of games due to injury at the start of the year, and upon his return he has been a regularly impressive performer, even though the likes of Charlie McNeill and Dillon Hoogewerf have been more prolific.
Next season McNeill and Hoogewerf will step up to the under-23s, and Forson will benefit from moving up with them. As he showed last night, he is ready now, whoever he is playing with.
Forson, who arrived from Tottenham‘s youth set up in 2019, didn’t at all look like a player making his debut for Neil Wood’s side. He displayed the nous of a player with much more experience with a clever piece of movement that allowed him to take the ball in space from a flick on before driving forward.
Watch Forson’s goal in the YouTube video link below:
