Why Ten Hag has blocked Elanga’s Everton loan

Robin Bairner

• 20 Jan 2023 08:00 GMT
• 3 min read

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has taken the decision to stop Anthony Elanga moving to Everton on loan.

Elanga has played 13 Premier League matches for the Red Devils this season but has started in only three and has not been given more than 21 minutes in any individual fixture since starting against Fulham in the match immediately prior to the World Cup. He was withdrawn before an hour was played in that game.

With Man Utd fans clamouring to see more of Alejandro Garnacho, the Sweden international is set to receive even fewer opportunities in the second half of the season.

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A loan deal would, therefore, make sense, yet Man Utd and Ten Hag have reservations over a move to Everton.

The Daily Star reports that the primary reason for the concerns arise from the uncertain situation at Goodison Park presently.

Frank Lampard, the Toffees manager, is a big fan of the player but finds himself under pressure as the Merseyside club battles relegation. Indeed, the former Chelsea manager could soon find himself out of a job.

Ten Hag, meanwhile, is concerned that the volatile climate surrounding Everton, whose directors stayed away from last weekend’s match against Southampton following what was described as a credible threat to their safety, could hinder Elanga’s development.

Everton are not the first club to be frustrated in their attempts to sign Elanga on loan. In the summer Man Utd blocked the 20-year-old from leaving over fears their squad was too small.

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Everton close in on Danjuma

Meanwhile, the Toffees appear to have already turned their attentions towards another target in the form of Villarreal winger Arnaut Danjuma.

There has been a great deal of interest in the Netherlands international, ranging from Eredivisie side PSV to Ligue 1 outfit Rennes as well as a string of Premier League sides.

However, The Telegraph believe that the former Bournemouth player, who will turn 26 on transfer deadline day, has turned these offers down to join Everton.