Anthony Elanga feeling “very sharp” after making second start for Sweden’s senior side

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Manchester United winger Anthony Elanga has revealed that he’s feeling “very sharp” after making his second start for Sweden’s senior side.

The 20-year-old’s goal drought for club and country did extend with Elanga not scoring for either United or Sweden since June when he scored his only goal for his national side at senior level against Norway in the UEFA Nations League.

Elanga’s last goal for the Red Devils came back in February during the 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano in our Champions League last-16 first leg against Diego Simeone’s side.

United’s number 36 has been in and out of Erik ten Hag’s starting line-up this season, but with both Antony and Jadon Sancho being unavailable in recent weeks, the pacey Swede has started two of United’s last three Premier League games.

But given Alejandro Garnacho’s emergence, Elanga looks set to fall behind the Argentinian wonderkid in the pecking order, which will likely impact his game time when Erik ten Hag has all of his forward options available.

Anthony Elanga feeling “very sharp” after making second start for Sweden

However, with the likes of Antony and Marcus Rashford being on World Cup duty, Elanga will be hoping to impress Ten Hag during the mini pre-season and start United’s first game back after the World Cup, which is a Carabao Cup fourth-round clash against Burnley at Old Trafford on December 21.

But judging by Elanga’s comments after the Manchester United Academy graduate played 69 minutes of Sweden’s 2-1 friendly win against Mexico last night, the winger’s confidence doesn’t seem to be an issue whatsoever.

Speaking to Swedish outlet Fotbollskanalen after yesterday’s friendly, Elanga encouragingly said: “I felt very sharp in the match.

“Very, very sharp. I appreciate that Janne [Andersson] let me start. It was a very good game, and I was close to a very good assist.

“When I get opportunities, I always want to show off. I felt very good. Very sharp. Confident defensively and also in the offensive. So that was good.”

While the Swedish press didn’t rate Elanga’s performance as highly as the man himself, the winger will be hoping to make his third start for his country in Saturday’s clash against Algeria.