Anthony Elanga has vowed to become a different player in the second half of the season

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Anthony Elanga has spoken out on his ambition to kick on in the second half of this season.

2022 began strongly for Elanga, but peaked in February with goals against Atletico Madrid and Leeds. A lengthy goal drought followed.

Elanga has subsequently been linked with an exit, with The Mail reporting Everton are very keen on a deal.

Manager Erik ten Hag appeared to dismiss this ahead of last night’s game, telling the club website: “We need the depth in the squad, and especially I would say in the frontline.”

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Elanga has vowed to become a different player

Elanga was on the bench for last night’s game against Bournemouth, despite absences for Antony, Jadon Sancho, and Alejandro Garnacho also among the substitutes.

The Swede is confident he will get his chance, and it could happen in one of the next two games, including the FA Cup against potential suitors Everton, and then Charlton in the Carabao Cup.

He told United’s website that he is optimistic he will raise his game in the second half of the season.

Elanga, still only 20, believes he will become a better player thanks to Erik ten Hag’s coaches.

He said: “I feel like the second half of the season will be an important one for me and I’m looking forward to showing what I am capable of doing.

“The coaching staff are helping me day in, day out, and I feel they will play a huge part in what I will become in the second half of the season.”

Elanga’s confidence is good to hear. While he has experienced a frustrating time, he has not actually played 90 minutes all season, and he has played more than 45 minutes only twice since September.

He has been overtaken by the emergence of Alejandro Garnacho, but he should not be written off just yet.

Amad is showing what he is capable of out on loan with a run of games, and whether that comes for Elanga at United or out on loan, only regular football will actually allow him to demonstrate his improvement.

Erik ten Hag has shown an ability to improve players since he took over, and Elanga should not be written off just yet.