Manchester United starlet set for a surprise exit despite promising breakthrough season

Ajax coach Erik ten Hag before the match.

Despite a promising debut season, Omari Forson has decided to leave Manchester United REUTERS/Eva Plevier

Manchester United youngster Omari Forson is set to leave the club and join Italian side AC Monza on a free transfer.

The 19-year-old transitioned from Tottenham Hotspur’s academy to United in 2019. He has since earned high praise from the club’s academy staff, even catching the eye of first-team manager Erik ten Hag, who handed him several appearances this season.

Despite his promising trajectory at the Old Trafford outfit, Forson has decided to embark on a new chapter in Italy.

From Manchester United to Monza: Forson set to take on new challenge

According to a Manchester Evening News report,  United “did what they could” to retain Omari Forson. But the Englishman, who has reportedly been evaluating his options for the past six months, opted to reject the fresh contract offers.

Forson will now conclude his five-year tenure with Manchester United and join Monza once his contract expires.

Monza, who secured their first promotion to Serie A in 2022, have finished in the lower half of the league for the past two seasons. While Forson’s move to Monza is unexpected, it promises him more regular first-team action next season.

Meanwhile, United will be due a compensation fee when the transfer is made official, the report adds.

It is worth noting that Forson’s Monza move was orchestrated by Sports Invest UK, an agency headed by Kia Joorabchian, notable for arranging Carlos Tevez’s exit from Manchester United.

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Forson’s decision has surprised many, given his swift rise through the United ranks this season.

He was included in the senior squad during the pre-season tour in the US last summer. The forward then made his senior debut in an FA Cup game against Wigan Athletic in January.

Forson subsequently made a substitute appearance in the 4-3 Premier League victory over Wolves, where he assisted Kobbie Mainoo’s decisive goal. A few weeks later, he even earned his first Premier League start against Fulham.