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Forson becomes latest Academy graduate

by
Matthew Brown
Tuesday 09 January 2024 00:01

Omari Forson is the latest Manchester United Academy youngster to have achieved the proud feat of representing our men’s first team.

Forson came off the bench to replace fellow youth alumni Marcus Rashford during stoppage-time in our 2-0 away win over Wigan Athletic in the Emirates FA Cup third round.

The 18-year-old was involved in our pre-season campaign at the start of 2023/24, coming off the bench against RC Lens for our summer friendly at Old Trafford, but his appearance against the Latics was his first in competitive action for the Reds.

Forson: It is an honour Video

Forson: It is an honour

Omari Forson reacts after becoming United's 249th Academy graduate...

The creative midfield player is the 249th player to have progressed from our esteemed youth system and into our men’s first team – a moment from which both he, and everyone involved in our Academy, can take immense pride.

"I think it is an honour,” Forson told MUTV at the DW Stadium. “I have been working towards this moment for quite a long time now so I am really happy to finally get my minutes."

Forson donned the no.62 shirt in Wigan, and was one of several Academy players on the night who were in the squad for the FA Cup tie – with defender Rhys Bennett and striker Joe Hugill, also both waiting in the wings for potential debuts, among the substitutes, too.

There were a total of 12 players in the squad at the DW Stadium that have represented our club’s Academy, and therefore plenty of familiar faces for young Forson – among them Kobbie Mainoo, who was also part of our 2022 FA Youth Cup winning side.

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The Reds will have another road trip in the fourth round after winning at Wigan.

"I think Kobbie has been playing quite a lot recently and there are a lot of other Academy boys who have come through the same Academy system as me, so it's really helped me,” continued Forson.

The next youngster to be handed a first-team debut will have the prestigious honour of becoming the 250th Academy graduate in our illustrious history – as we can be sure that our youth system is in a healthy and thriving place.

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