Manchester United’s most famous Swedish player of all time is unquestionable. He may have only played 53 times for the Red Devils, but his memories of his spell will last a long time.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic starred as United won the League Cup and (although he missed the final) the Europa League. In total he scored 29 times in 53 appearances before moving on.
In so doing, he continued the pattern of Swedish forwards having short but successful stints at Old Trafford.
Prior to Zlatan’s spell came Henrik Larsson’s. He stayed for even less time, but his three goals in 13 games only told half the story.
Larsson’s emergency loan was a masterstroke from Sir Alex Ferguson and the player has spoken of his regret at not remaining at Old Trafford for longer.
Of course, United have another Swede in their ranks right now in the form of Victor Lindelof. But the centre-back is no longer first-choice and will slip down the pecking order once Raphael Varane returns.
Then there is an incredibly exciting youngster by the name of Anthony Elanga. In time, he could well become United’s greatest ever Swedish player.
That is a bold statement given some that have come before him. But Elanga has everything in his locker to be a United superstar
The 19-year-old has been making waves behind the scenes at United for some time. With four goals in four U23 appearances this season – and five in five for Sweden’s U21s – the sky is the limit.
Star in the making
If United fans needed any more proof, Elanga scored in only his second Premier League match last season. He was also the standout player during pre-season.
There are rumours that practically every Championship club asked about the prospect of loaning the teenager this year.
That is no surprise given his talent. Neither is the fact that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said no.
Elanga may struggle for game time in the short term, but he is only going to benefit from training alongside the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani.
Initially a winger who has moved seamlessly into a centre-forward role, Elanga is arguably United’s next big thing.
Ibrahimovic and Larsson may have only had brief stays at United. But Elanga could be here for a decade or more. In that time, expect him to surpass them both in the eyes of the Old Trafford faithful.
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