It was early Saturday afternoon, and Ghanaians still had the Black Queens and Medeama defeats on their minds. Their attentions were shifted to European football where every fan has a team they watch each weekend with passion.
Jordan Ayew had gotten the nation on social media talking after his goal and assist in Crystal Palace’s 3-0 victory over Burnley.
Next was Manchester United. They were welcoming Fulham to Old Trafford with fans expecting a victory. The lineups were out, and most names were somewhat known but one was a surprise inclusion; Omari Forson.
Forson is a 19-year-old born in London who has been in United’s academy for some time. But Ghanaians quickly discovered on a Google search that the attacking midfielder was born to Ghanaian parents; a goldmine.
This is how Omari Forson likes to play football.
What concerns me though is how his strengths fit in with the current style of play of the first team, bit of a mismatch. pic.twitter.com/5hFroqVLkg
— academyarena Utd (@academyarenaUTD) February 23, 2024
The interest had gone up a notch. Whilst rival fans hoped for United’s downfall, Ghanaians eagerly watched every run, every touch and every pass from Forson. Although he did not inspire the Red Devils to a victory over the Cottagers, his inclusion triggered growing conversations about including foreign-based players in the Black Stars.
“He came twice lately in games against Newport and Wolves. Against Wolves, he had a very good moment where he was decisive in making Kobbie Mainoo’s goal so he deserves to play. But he proved it when he came on as a sub and in training,” Ten Hag explained why he started Forson just before the 2-1 loss against Fulham.
As Ten Hag pointed out, his first goal contribution was to Kobbie Mainoo, another academy graduate and a young footballer with Ghanaian roots. The 18-year-old has been around the first team for a longer period, earning his debut in an EFL Cup game in January 2023.
Do we have two future Black Stars players at Manchester United? 👀#3Sports pic.twitter.com/b3mVNlsiN0
— #3Sports (@3SportsGh) February 24, 2024
Since then, the midfielder has earned his coach’s trust and eventually the fans. His big break was arguably against Liverpool at Anfield this season where he marshalled the midfield as they earned a 0-0 draw.
“If you are good enough, you are old enough and he proved that,” Ten Hag said after the draw against Liverpool.
“When he gets used more often to those games, we will get even more joy from it. Because then his scanning and his speed of action, he can get such passes, three or four passes in and get switches in, and he is the player who can really hurt opponents.”
After scoring a dramatic late winner against Wolverhampton Wanderers in early February, Mainoo caught the attention of the Ghana Football Association who are looking to recruit him for the Black Stars.
🚨🚨🎙️Frank Lampard on Kobbie Mainoo:
"I don't think even Rodri or Casemiro were as good as he is at his age. He is the backbone of a club like Manchester United as young as he is. I think he'll outlive very many big names." pic.twitter.com/mY38TAQC4b
— 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐭 (@UTDMist) February 26, 2024
“The association would love to work with him and many like him at home and abroad,” executive council member Dr. Randy Abbey revealed.
Maybe in the next few years, fans and neutrals could see Forson and Mainoo don the Ghana national team colours with pride. Maybe they would pursue places in England’s national team. But one thing is certain, Ghanaians will watch the duo with smiles on their faces.