Man Utd's transfer stance on Anthony Elanga revealed

Martin Macdonald

20 Jan 2022 12:23 GMT
3 min read

Manchester United could have a new star on their hands in the form of Anthony Elanga.

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Last week, Elanga was handed just his sixth Premier League appearance by manager Ralf Rangnick in a fixture against Aston Villa which ended 2-2.

He impressed so much in that game that he was handed another start a few days later as Man Utd travelled to face Brenford.

Elanga's selection came even as more experienced players like Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial were available for Rangnick.

He took his opportunity again, too, and scored the opening goal, showing lovely skill to take a touch into the air before looping a header over the oncoming keeper.

The young Swede's emergence has, according to Manchester Evening News, changed the club's transfer stance on the player.

Man Utd were reportedly ready to allow Elanga to leave on loan in the January transfer window to gain more minutes at a decent or high level, with the majority of clubs in the English Championship expressing their interest in a temporary switch.

Now, though, Rangnick is eager for Elanga to stick around, not only to help the team as a squad player, but to make an impact as a first team player.

Rangnick also believes the player will continue to benefit from training every day with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Elanga reacts to first Premier League goal

The goal against Brentford was Elanga's first in the Premier League, and he has vowed to continue working hard to impress in a Man Utd shirt.

"I'd say the second half is when we played our best football," Elanga told BT Sport.

"We really stepped up. I think the goal that I scored, lifted the team up and got the team going. The second came, the third came and it got even better. The touch [for his goal] sets it up, I knew the goalkeeper was close and I needed to head it in.

"These moments, I work for these moments and I know it's only the beginning.

"I just want to continue working hard and to get more goals."