Manchester United hand Omari Forson a first ever start to replace ...

Manchester United academy graduate Omari Forson was handed a first start for the Red Devils against Fulham.

Manager Erik ten Hag was left scratching his head to find a solution to his side's forward issues following Rasmus Hojlund's injury, and has turned to the 19-year-old as his replacement.

He will line up in an attacking three that cost just £325,000 - that sum being the fee United paid for Alejandro Garnacho in 2020.

Marcus Rashford completed the front three, which didn't include Antony - a player on which United spent over 261 times what the starting trio cost at £85million.

The Brazilian was once again named on the bench for the Red Devils as his tough stay with the club continued. 

Manchester United academy graduate Omari Forson was handed a first start against Fulham

United were forced to get creative to solve their striker issues after Rasmus Hojlund (pictured) picked up an injury

Forson had one Premier League appearance to his name before the game having come on as a late substitute for Hojlund in win over Wolves

Forson had made a handful of appearances for the club so far, with one coming in the league when he was a late substitute for Hojlund in the 4-3 win over Wolves earlier this month.

His other two appearances came in the FA Cup, though he is yet to score a senior goal.

He had been on the bench for three Premier League games prior to the game against Fulham, and scored eight times in Premier League 2 last season. He can play through the middle or out wide. 

United announced on Friday that Hojlund, who has been the most in-form striker in the Premier League since Christmas Day, is out for up to three weeks with a muscle strain.

Anthony Martial is already out following groin surgery, leaving United without a recognised striker until Hojlund returns.

United have now been forced to have to get creative to cope with the race for the top four, which sees them fighting with Aston Villa and Tottenham, leaving them little margin for error.

Victor Lindelof was named in the side at left-back after it emerged Luke Shaw (pictured) could miss the rest of the season through injury

United have only been able to name their first-choice back four on two occasions this season

Elsewhere in the team, Victor Lindelof was named at left-back on the back of the news that Luke Shaw could miss the rest of the season, with Harry Maguire partnering Raphael Varane in the middle of defence in the absence of Lisandro Martinez.

United have only been able to name their first-choice back four on one occasion this season. 

Kobbie Mainoo again started in midfield, alonside Casemiro and captain Bruno Fernandes.