In the early stages of the match against Fulham, Manchester United’s display has been underwhelming, marred by lapses from Varane and Casemiro.
Despite the subdued atmosphere, partly due to Fulham’s limited fan presence, United’s supporters have been relocated to lift the mood.
The game has been scrappy and cautious, with neither side taking control in the opening minutes.
This benefits Fulham as the visiting team, highlighting United’s struggle to establish dominance. Pereira, a former United player, attempted a long-range shot, but Onana easily saved it.
A rash challenge from Forson went unpunished, suggesting nerves on his debut, prompting coach Ten Hag to encourage him to settle into the game.
United, unbeaten in 2024, aim to maintain their winning streak. However, injuries to key players like Luke Shaw and Rasmus Hojlund present challenges.
Fulham, following a recent defeat to Aston Villa, occupy a mid-table position in the Premier League. As the game kicks off, United seek to extend their unbeaten run, with Forson starting on the right flank.
Amidst the pre-match excitement at Old Trafford, players wear their Stone Roses jackets to the tune of “This Is The One,” a nod to tradition.
The anticipation grows as kick-off nears, with hopes high for another United triumph, despite the absence of injured stars.
Forson’s inclusion in the starting lineup reflects his promising displays, having impressed during preseason and earned occasional first-team opportunities.
Debuting against Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup, Forson has gradually gained the trust of the coaching staff, leading to his first start against Fulham.
As players complete their warm-ups, the final preparations are underway. Ten Hag’s decision to start Forson underscores the club’s belief in its youth talent amid injury setbacks.
Despite the challenges posed by injuries, United remain optimistic about their top-four aspirations, despite facing tough tests ahead.