Anthony Elanga will not want the 2020/21 season to end. He is on a hot streak and can’t stop scoring.
Elanga was called up into Sweden’s under-21 side at the end of the club season and he has made a great start.
After scoring a fantastic goal in the 2-0 win over Finland last week, Elanga netted again last night.
The Manchester United youngster scored in Sweden under-21s 6-0 victory over Luxembourg.
Elanga scored a header after a cross from the right hand side, early in the second half.
In great form
Elanga scored on just his second appearance for Manchester United’s first team at the end of the season.
He headed in a cross from Dan James which had come from the left.
Elanga’s aerial ability has not often stood out as one of the strengths of his game at academy level, so it is good to see him net two headers recently.
He has three goals in his last three games for club and country.
Add in his brace for Manchester United’s under-23s against Derby – which came before his United first team debut against Leicester City, and Elanga has five goals in five games in all competitions.
Elanga’s next step
It might not be long until Elanga is called upon into Sweden’s first team at this rate. That could come later this year, especially if Sweden have a poor Euro 2020 and want to introduce some younger players.
More pertinent is the upcoming decision over what to do with Elanga next season. Is he best served staying at United, or should he go out on loan?
Elanga told Fotbollskanalen: “I will sit down with the club and discuss what is best for me for next season.
“You must be ready if they want to send you out on loan or back to the U23 team. I can not say that I play for the A-team yet. You have to be ready all the time and give 150 percent in training. If I get my chance on the pitch, I have to take it. If I can score then it’s a bonus, if I can play well it’s even better.”
His future will depend on four factors. The first is what kind of loan offers come in for him. United will have to be convinced it is in his best interests.
The second factor is how Elanga performs and impresses in pre-season. Even if he does well, he could be loaned, if United feel he would be held back unfairly by staying at this point in his career.
The third and perhaps largest factor is what United do in the transfer market. Extra competition in forward positions would increase Elanga’s chances of heading out on loan.
But the fourth issue at play is whether Marcus Rashford has an operation. If he does, then United would be smart to keep Elanga around so he can help fill in.
The teenager is showing a real knack for scoring, ending the campaign as United’s top under-23 goalscorer despite missing two months with a collarbone injury.
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