Man Utd anxious to avoid transfer repeat amid battle to keep teenage prospect

05 November 2023 , 16:16

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Man Utd anxious to avoid transfer repeat amid battle to keep teenage prospect

Manchester United are battling to keep highly-rated youngster Omari Forson.

Teenager Forson, 19, is regarded as one of the club’s best prospects and has already made in-roads towards the first team, having graduated from the academy. Versatile forward Forson, who can play in various attacking positions, was on the bench for United’s Champions League tie at Bayern Munich earlier this season.

Forson has also represented England at junior levels including under-20s and United are desperate to keep him. But Forson’s current deal expires at the end of the season and they would stand to lose huge sums if he was allowed to leave as a free agent in the summer.

There has been overseas interest which could potentially reduce any compensation or fee still further. But there would be no shortage of Premier League clubs also watching developments.

Forson, who was on the books of West Ham and Tottenham before moving to United in 2019, signed a pro deal two years ago. United have also been trying to tie down teenage midfielder Hannibal to a new deal as he is out of contract in 2024 but does have a further 12 month option.

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England under-21 starlet Angel Gomes left United at the end of his deal in 2020 but is now shining in France for Lille. Old Trafford chiefs pride themselves on their long tradition of bringing through youngsters from the academy and will be anxious to tie another prize asset down.

Omari Forson's Manchester United contract is due to expire at the end of the season (Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)

Forson was heavily involved for United in pre-season, featuring in five of their eight games, with the teenager vowing to "keep pushing" for first-team opportunities. "I've learned so much – good habits on and off the pitch – and I've really enjoyed my time since the start of pre-season," he told MUTV in August.

"There's a lot to learn – you've got to keep learning. The learning never stops, especially because I'm young. At United, you'll be given opportunities, and that's important, definitely. But I can't get complacent, I'll keep pushing and hopefully opportunities will come.

"It's crazy, something I haven't experienced before. It's been a really good experience going over to these countries."

John Cross