Anthony Elanga has broken his scoring drought by netting in Sweden’s international victory over Azerbaijan.
The Manchester United youngster came off the bench as Sweden ran up a big 5-0 scoreline.
This was Anthony Elanga‘s first goal for club and country in 10 months, since he netted against Norway in a UEFA Nations League clash last May.
Elanga has not scored a Manchester United goal since his strike in February 2022 away at Atletico Madrid.
Elanga scores impressive goal
Anthony Elanga did not get much time on the pitch, so he really made it count. He was substituted on in the 87th minute and scored in the 89th, two minutes after coming on.
Elanga’s goal was an impressive one, intercepting a stray pass 40 yards out, he bore down on goal, rounded the onrushing goalkeeper and scored with his left foot.
It was a clinically taken goal, one from a player who looked high in confidence, not one who has been lacking.
While easy to point and say it was just against Azerbaijan, this could be the breakthrough Anthony Elanga needs.
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The 20-year-old has struggled for game time this season, playing only 675 minutes of football for Manchester United.
He has played only 27 minutes of Premier League action since the transfer window closed at the end of January.
With United fighting on three fronts, set to play nine games in April, Elanga could still get chances.
This goal will help him rediscover his confidence, and it will energise the market for him in the summer, whether it be on a loan or permanent basis.
Speaking to Aftonbladet at the weekend, Elanga said he was dissatisfied with his lack of game time at Old Trafford.
He said: “It is frustrating. You want to play, it’s important. But whether you play or not, it’s up to the coach not me. I have spoken to Erik [ten Hag] and it is private between the two of us. I know what he wants me to do and I just keep training hard.
“When the opportunity comes, I just have to be ready to take it.”
For Sweden, he made good on his word. Now he just has to do the same for Manchester United.