Anthony Elanga is absolutely thriving away from Manchester United.
The Swedish winger departed Old Trafford this summer for £15m, with Erik ten Hag deeming the 21-year-old surplus to requirements.
It was Nottingham Forest that took a punt on him – and they’ll be glad they did. He’s been brilliant for them thus far.
Once deemed as one of the brightest academy sparks at United, he has now flipped the switch and given his verdict on who United‘s next big star will be.
Anthony Elanga names ‘next big academy star’ at Man Utd
Speaking with the Mail Sport before Sweden’s abandoned Euro 2024 qualifier with Belgium – Elanga believes Kobbie Mainoo will be the next big thing at United.
“Kobbie Mainoo [is the next big academy star],” Elanga began. “He is one of my close guys that I still speak to at United and I believe he is next the top one, his talent is unreal.
“He’s got everything and I just hope United can look after him really well and let him flourish. He is a top player.
“When I played with him in the academy I always thought he had similar attributes to Paul Pogba. They are not the same player but just the way he moves and they can both do everything, defensive, offensive, he has a mixture of everything and is really good on and off the ball.”
Kobbie Mainoo looks the real deal
There hasn’t been this much hype surrounding a young midfielder at United for some time now.
United fans really got a glimpse into the sheer talent of Mainoo in pre-season, but sadly following an injury against Real Madrid – he hasn’t featured since for the first-team squad.
He has however recently made his return in the UEFA Youth League, where he got a good 45 minutes under his belt.
He should be back to full fitness soon, and he’ll be definitely sniffing around Ten Hag’s starting XI. Exciting times ahead if he does live up to his immense potential.
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