Omari Forson 'turns down new Manchester United deal'

Manchester United are reportedly facing a battle to keep hold of Omari Forson, with the highly-rated youngster turning down the club's latest contract offer.

The 19-year-old has entered the final six months of his contract at Old Trafford, and there is currently a host of speculation surrounding his future with the Red Devils.

Forson made his first-team debut for Man United as a late substitute in the FA Cup clash with Wigan Athletic on January 8, and he was then on the bench against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League last time out.

The attacker has scored three times and registered one assist in four Premier League 2 appearances this term, while he managed two goals and one assist in two UEFA Youth League outings, in addition to two goals in two appearances in the EFL Trophy.

Man United are working to keep hold of the teenager, but according to the Daily Mail, he is currently refusing to sign a new contract at Old Trafford.

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The report claims that the latest deal that was placed on the table was rejected by Forson's camp, and it is unclear whether a new and improved offer will arrive.

Forson, who was born in London, represented both West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur as a youngster before moving to Man United in 2019, and he was a part of their preparations for the current season.

The forward featured against Leeds United in July before being included in the squad for the tour of the United States, which saw him face Borussia Dortmund, but the youngster was overlooked for first-team appearances in the opening half of the 2023-24 campaign.

Forson is capable of operating in a number of different forward positions, and it remains to be seen whether he will be involved against Newport County in the fourth round of the FA Cup this weekend.

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Man United head coach Erik ten Hag made the surprise decision to substitute Forson in the first half of the team's pre-season clash with Dortmund last summer, and he revealed that he had spoken to the youngster about remaining composed.

"When there's VAR, he could be sent off. He played a good game. The opponent got annoyed at him," Ten Hag told MUTV at the time.

"But don't take it into your own hands, you can't be the judge. You have to play football. You have to beat your opponent and that's the best way to react."

Forson is another attacking option for Ten Hag, and he could receive more action in the remaining months of the season, as Facundo Pellistri is allegedly closing in on a loan move to Granada, while Anthony Martial will be missing for another 10 weeks following a groin operation.