Anthony Elanga’s first involvement in Manchester United’s Champions League campaign was in the dead rubber against Young Boys to round off the group stage.
The host of attackers Ole Gunnar Solskjaer assembled kept Elanga away from European involvement but Ralf Rangncik has accelerated his development.
Now, he is in with a chance of starting tonight’s last 16 clash with Atletico Madrid and that is testament to how well he has taken his opportunity.
A report by the BBC claims that Elanga has impressed United’s coaches with his ability to contribute within the team’s tactical structure.
He has also caught the eye with his desire to improve his goal output, having netted two goals in 13 senior appearances this season.
United’s coaches apparently think that will come as he is set for more exposure to high level football with United and Sweden.
At youth level, Elanga has five in ten matches for United this term and six in seven for Sweden’s Under-21 side.
It is understandable that he cannot immediately transfer these numbers over to the senior side, but he is clearly a player with an eye for goal and a desire to influence matches.
Often, young forwards can be eye-catching in terms of their pace and skill but unable to influence matches on a consistent basis.
Elanga, 19, does not want to fall into that trap and is clearly keen to make more decisive contributions like the goal which finished Sunday’s game at Leeds as a contest.
The Atletico tie would probably be the biggest game of his career if he plays a part and on current form, there is no reason why he should not.
A senior Sweden debut cannot be too far away as Elanga moves onto the next phase of his career amid an exciting breakthrough season.
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