Anthony Elanga is yet to feature in the Premier League since the summer transfer window closed

Add as preferred source on Google

Manchester United winger Anthony Elanga is yet to feature in the Premier League since the summer transfer window closed.

After being a substitute in United’s back-to-back defeats against Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford in Ten Hag’s first two competitive games in charge of the club, Elanga then started United’s next three Premier League games.

But after Antony’s big money move to Old Trafford was officially completed at the end of August, the Sweden international has barely featured under the former Ajax manager.

In this afternoon’s 0-0 draw against Newcastle United at the Theatre of Dreams, the 20-year-old was once again an unused substitute.

Despite not being fit enough to start the game, it was Marcus Rashford who Ten Hag chose to replace Cristiano Ronaldo with 20 minutes remaining.

The introduction of Rashford was the 52-year-old’s only change in the stalemate against the Magpies.

Elanga is yet to feature in the Premier League since the summer transfer window closed

United’s number 36 started the 1-0 win at Leicester City on 1 September, which came two days after Antony completed his move to the twenty-time league champions.

But the talented Brazilian, who worked with Ten Hag at Ajax, was thrown straight into the Premier League starting XI against Arsenal, and the 22-year-old scored on his debut against the Gunners.

Goals against Manchester City and Everton followed, which resulted in United’s number 21 becoming the first Reds player to score in opening three league games for 50 years.

Aside from a start in the 1-0 defeat to Real Sociedad in our Europa League opener, Elanga has played nine minutes of football since Antony was signed and seemingly took up the right-wing mantle, and that came as a substitute away to Sheriff Tiraspol.

With Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial all capable of playing out on the left-hand side, Elanga finds himself down as fourth choice when competing for that specific position.

Youngsters Facundo Pellistri and Alejandro Garnacho are also challenging with Elanga for priceless gametime.

After losing our Europa League opener against Sociedad, Ten Hag has gone with his strongest possible XI in the corresponding three fixtures in the fight to oust the La Liga side to the all-important top spot.

After coming off the bench in Ralf Rangnick’s first game in interim charge, Elanga went on to make 16 starts under the German and made 26 appearances across all competitions under the now Austrian manager.

Elanga’s fortunes have dramatically changed under Ten Hag, and if there isn’t a considerable change as we approach the end of the January transfer window, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see a potential loan move explored and potentially sanctioned by all parties.