Man Utd star admits 'frustrating' lack of game time

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 27 Mar 2023 22:22 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United forward Anthony Elanga has been left frustrated by his lack of involvement in recent weeks.

The Swedish international has featured 24 times in all competitions in 2022/23, but has amassed just five Premier League starts this term following Antony's big-money summer arrival from Ajax.

The Brazilian has been favoured by Erik ten Hag, with Elanga unable to break into the first-choice starting XI at Old Trafford. Bruno Fernandes has also been shifted wide in order to facilitate Wout Weghorst's move to a deeper role, which has further impacted Elanga game time.

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He has played just 48 league minutes in 2023 and the 20-year-old ranks 22nd in the Red Devils squad for Premier League minutes this season.

Elanga has featured less than both youngster Alejandro Garnacho and veteran Cristiano Ronaldo, who left the club before the World Cup after a controversial interview with Piers Morgan aired.

Elanga was a favourite under interim boss Ralf Rangnick last season and formed an impressive relationship with five-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo.

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What has Elanga said?

Elanga, who is currently on international duty with Sweden, recently admitted: “It is frustrating. You want to play. It is important. But if you don’t play, it’s not up to me but up to the coach.

“I have spoken to Erik [ten Hag] and it is private between the two of us," he said. "I know what he wants me to do and I can just keep training hard. When the opportunity comes, I just have to be ready to take it.

“We have a lot of dialogue, not only about it but also what is happening around. That’s the good thing about the club, we talk a lot and they help me a lot.”