When Manchester United face Sheriff Tiraspol at Old Trafford this week, the fixture may provide brief respite for some of the first team regulars.
Manager Erik ten Hag will insist the match is one United are ‘all out to win’, with the Red Devils pushing for three points ahead of a final game showdown with Real Sociedad.
But without underestimating the team from Moldova, Manchester United should have enough quality in the squad to win while rotating the team on Thursday night.
Coming off an intense stretch of Premier League games against Newcastle, Tottenham and Chelsea, Erik ten Hag needs to utilise his squad sensibly, ahead of a clash with West Ham this coming weekend.
With this in mind, this is an ideal game for Anthony Elanga to be recalled after a lively cameo performance against Chelsea.
Anthony Elanga likely to get chance
Ever since Antony signed for Manchester United from Ajax on deadline day, young Anthony Elanga has largely been sidelined.
Elanga has played just 13 minutes of Premier League football since September 1, with 10 minutes of this coming at Stamford Bridge on Saturday night.
In a tight match, Elanga’s directness gave United a useful outlet, and in one slalom run downfield Chelsea had to hack him down to prevent a dangerous counter attack.
With Jadon Sancho’s form unspectacular, and Marcus Rashford needing a rest, this Thursday’s game against Sheriff Tiraspol is an ideal opportunity to bring Anthony Elanga into the side.
Elanga has been patient, his last start game in United’s defeat to Real Sociedad. The match against Sheriff Tiraspol should be less taxing for the Red Devils.
Tiraspol looked in awe of United on home turf and could be rolled over this week if Erik ten Hag’s side are ruthless in front of goal.
Anthony Elanga needs a goal more than anybody. While he scored for Sweden in June, he has not scored a goal for Manchester United since his strike against Atletico Madrid in late February.
Back then the composure he scored on that big stage generated so much excitement. It has largely faded since, partly due to over-exposure in Ralf Rangnick’s side, no doubt draining his confidence.
He was unlucky not to score in an impressive performance in the win against Liverpool in August, but has since found opportunities hard to come by.
Saturday night’s game was a sign he is still ahead of Alejandro Garnacho in Erik ten Hag’s pecking order, for now. This may not last – but it should see him get a chance ahead of the teenager this week.
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