Erik ten Hag has identified two areas where Manchester United winger Anthony Elanga needs to improve in order to become a “top player”.
The 20-year-old started on United’s right-hand side in the 2-1 win against Fulham yesterday.
The seven-time Sweden international started alongside Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial with Antony, Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo all missing the trip to Craven Cottage.
Despite Alejandro Garnacho impressing off the bench with two assists against Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup win at Old Trafford three days prior, Ten Hag started United’s number 36 over the Argentinian wonderkid.
Elanga, who was one assist from 13 appearances so far this season, was handed his fifth Premier League start under the former Ajax manager.
But he was replaced ten minutes into the second half by Scott McTominay before Garnacho later came off the bench to score a 93rd-minute winner, which was his first in the top-flight.
Erik ten Hag on where Anthony Elanga needs to improve
In his post-match press conference, Ten Hag was specifically asked about why he started Elanga, who was handed his senior United debut by Ralf Rangnick, and what he made of the young Swede’s performance in west London.
Ten Hag said: “We started [Anthony] Elanga because we thought we need speed in the frontline because we thought that was a weakness for Fulham.
“I think he’s doing well, but there also some facets where we can work with him especially in his anticipation and his proactivity – I think he made huge progress in that, but if he wants to be a top player then he has to [improve] even more.
“I’m happy with his performance, also I know there was a full-back [Antonee Robinson] for Fulham that really wanted to attack and he [Elanga] controlled and neutralised that, so he did well.”
Like Victor Lindelof, Elanga has been called-up to the Sweden squad who will play two international friendlies against Mexico and Algeria over the next five days.
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