Man Utd players showed their role in supporting Omari Forson after Erik ten Hag decided to substitute the winger early on against Borussia Dortmund on Monday.
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag explained the lesson that Omari Forson had to learn after substituting him against Borussia Dortmund.
The young winger played 37 minutes before being replaced by Antony before half-time. Forson, 19, had been involved in a heated exchange with Dortmund forward Karim Adeyemi, which saw both players receiving a yellow card, after clashing with full-back Julian Ryerson.
The academy star was included in United’s pre-season squad after scoring eight goals in Premier League 2 last season, being included in the starting XI for the club’s first friendly with Leeds United in Oslo. However, Forson’s second start did not go to plan and Ten Hag admitted why he couldn’t wait until the interval to make the change.
“When there’s VAR, he could be sent off. He played a good game. The opponent got annoyed at him,” Ten Hag said to MUTV when asked about Forson. “But don’t take it into your own hands, you can’t be the judge. You have to play football. You have to beat your opponent and that’s the best way to react.”
After making the change, the United boss took time to speak with Forson at length on the sideline to explain his thinking, ending with a pat on the back. Forson’s teammates were also quick to console the teenager, who was clearly disappointed, with Christain Eriksen and Scott McTominay both ensuring they spoke to the winger before he left the pitch.
This support network continued when Forson took his place on the bench. Lisandro Martinez shook Forson’s hand and was filmed talking to the winger in the dugout, seemingly attempting to raise the youngster’s spirits and giving him some advice, as he sat down next to the 19-year-old.
The United squad have already demonstrated that they have a key role to play as the winger looks to overcome this early setback in his professional career. Forson will hope to show that he has taken all those instructions on board as United prepare for their final two pre-season games with Lens and Athletic Club.