Man Utd v Fulham: Erik ten Hag explains decision to start Omari Forson ahead of Antony

Erik ten Hag has explained his decision to select Omari Forson over Antony in Manchester United’s Premier League clash against Fulham.

The 19-year-old was handed his first senior start with Rasmus Hojlund dropping out through injury. Antony, who hasn’t started the last six league games, seemed the obvious choice to come in, but instead Ten Hag opted for the teenage Forson.

It’s a decision that speaks volumes about Antony’s current role in the squad, but speaking pre-match to MUTV, Ten Hag claimed the choice was more to do with Forson’s impressive showings in training and off the bench in recent games.

“He deserves that position,” claimed the Dutchman. “Lately he has performed very well, over the last half a year. He worked very hard and showed his progression against Wolves and Newport, he had an impact, for instance, for the goal of Kobbie Mainoo. 

“He had link-up, runs in behind. That’s what we expect of him. He showed reliability and now he has got his chance. Now he has to take his chance.”

Forson is expected to play centrally, with Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford in the wide areas. “They have to stay and occult certain zones, but they can swap positions,” said Ten Hag.

"Then it’s about how we are withstanding the transitions and it can’t be a mess. It’s very clear who has to play where, but we will be fluid and unpredictable at times.

"Those players have the capabilities and the dynamics. They have running abilities and link-up abilities with each other. It is very important that we get connections there, that is the main importance.”

Ten Hag also selected 20-year-old Toby Collyer on the bench for the first time. "He showed some good stuff and he showed some potential," the former Ajax manager said. "And so we have some problems. But yeah, it's, for him, an opportunity to be involved. He has to be ready to come on because you are on the bench to come on."