Anthony Elanga netted Manchester United’s vital equalising goal to salvage a draw away at Atletico Madrid.
The Swedish youngster had to make his shot count, and thankfully he did. His opportunity came from the only scoring chance United created all game long.
The 19-year-old’s goal was the biggest of his career to date and showed how his confidence is soaring.
Elanga’s strike was welcomely received by his teammates, and he has now netted in successive matches after bagging against Leeds at the weekend.
The Sweden under-21 international, who probably is not far off a senior cap now, received plenty of praise after his crucial striker.
United midfielder Fred wrote him a message simply saying, ‘thank you’, while Jesse Lingard also left positive messages, along with several of his under-23 teammates, and Amad, who is out on loan at Rangers and Brandon Williams who is on loan at Norwich.
Alejandro Garnacho, a United academy prospect who United signed from Atletico Madrid, also congratulated Elanga.
Elanga is an inspiration
Elanga spoke after the game to BT Sport to say he was living his dream by scoring on a big Champions League night for Manchester United.
He is an inspiration for the players who want to get into his position, including those who had had a taste of the first team like Shoretire, Williams and Amad, and those who want to get there like Garnacho.
Elanga is a breath of fresh air for United right now, and his emergence comes at the perfect time with Marcus Rashford’s form in the doldrums.
It would not be a surprise if Elanga ends up starting the first leg. His performance has justified it, and a start this weekend at home to Watford looks like a certainty.
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