Forson replaced Marcus Rashford, who was also a young player, during extra time in our 2-0 away win over Wigan Athletic in the third round of the Emirates FA Cup.

The 18-year-old played in our pre-season at the start of 2023–24. He came off the bench against RC Lens in our summer friendly at Old Trafford, but his game against Wigan Athletic was his first in a real game for the Reds.

The creative midfielder is the 249th player to have made it from our highly regarded school system to our men’s first team. This is a huge accomplishment for both him and everyone else who works in our Academy.

Forson told MUTV at the DW Stadium, “I think it is an honor.” “I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time, so I’m thrilled to finally get my minutes.”

Forson wore number 62 against Wigan, and he was one of several Academy players in the squad for the FA Cup match that night. Rhys Bennett, a defender, and Joe Hugill, a striker, were also in the squad as replacements and both waiting to make their debuts.

Twelve of the players at the DW Stadium had played for our club’s Academy before, so young Forson saw a lot of familiar names. Kobbie Mainoo, who was on the team that won the FA Youth Cup in 2022, was one of them.

I think Kobbie has been playing a lot lately, and I’ve learned a lot from other Academy boys who went through the same system as me. It’s been great for me, Forson said.

It’s safe to say that our youth system is in good shape. The next player to play for the first team will have the honor of becoming the 250th Academy graduate in our long and successful past.