Monza manager Alessandro Nesta has waxed lyrical about an ex-Manchester United talent who has “big potential” and who left Old Trafford during Erik ten Hag’s reign.

Erik ten Hag has remained at Old Trafford as Manchester United manager after Ineos completed their end-of-season review.

Ineos opted to retain the services of the Dutchman and Ten Hag signed a new contract with the Red Devils ahead of the 2024-25 Premier League season.

United oversaw a tough 2023-24 Premier League campaign under Ten Hag, who saw several key first-team players suffer injuries over the course of the season.

Ten Hag’s men limped to an eighth-place finish in the Premier League table, but United ended the season on a high note with their FA Cup triumph in May.

United’s 2-1 win over Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley ensured that Ten Hag’s side would return to Europe next season as part of the Europa League.

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Manager Erik ten Hag of Manchester United in action during a first team pre-season training session at Carrington Training Ground on July 11, 2024 ...
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images

Nesta talks former Man Utd talent

AC Milan legend Alessandro Nesta arrived at Serie A side Monza this summer and has already made his feelings clear about one former Manchester United player.

Among Nesta’s ranks in the Monza squad is none other than Omari Forson, who completed a free transfer move to the Italian side this summer.

Omari Forson came through the United youth academy and received his Red Devils debut under former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag.

The 19-year-old former United talent made sporadic appearances under Ten Hag last season, with Forson featuring in seven matches for the Red Devils.

Forson made his senior debut for United in the 2023-24 season after he came off the bench in a 2-0 away win against Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup in January.

The former United player also made an impact from the bench in the Premier League, with Forson setting up Kobbie Mainoo for a late winner against Wolves.

“He’s a talented lad. Very shy but with big potential,” Nesta told La Gazzetta dello Sport, as per Football Italia.

“He will slowly loosen up. He is left-footed, but he plays on the right. He can play as a winger or attacking midfielder.”

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Forson wanted move away from Man Utd

Omari Forson paid tribute to Ten Hag after he made the decision to turn down a new contract at United and sign for Monza instead.

Posting on Instagram Stories last month, the former United player shared a photo of himself alongside Ten Hag and sent out a heartfelt message.

“Appreciate all the opportunities you gave me,” he wrote at the time.

“Gonna show the world what you saw in me a long time ago.”

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