Erik ten Hag gives surprise verdict on Anthony Elanga performance v West Ham

Add as preferred source on Google

Anthony Elanga was recalled to Manchester United’s starting line-up for yesterday’s victory over West Ham.

The Sweden international was making his first Premier League start since September 1, and it did not go too well on a personal level.

Elanga was substituted after an hour, making just 20 touches and failing to land a shot on target.

Despite this, manager Erik ten Hag has given the youngster his full backing and believes he can play a key role in the future under his development.

Ten Hag gives surprise verdict on Anthony Elanga

Ten Hag was quoted by United’s website speaking glowingly about Elanga, going out of his way to lavish the young forward with praise.

He said: “You can see today he’s quite mature and I was happy with his performance. His runs behind were good, he was composed on the ball, his pressing was good.

“His performance today was good. You can see the power lacked a little bit, like when you don’t have a run of games.

“I’m happy to work with him. He has big potential. I think he can have a really good position in world football.”

Ten Hag acknowledges that Elanga’s struggle to make an impact was due to his lack of regular football.

The problem facing player and manager, is working out how to address this.

Elanga is competing with Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, Cristiano Ronaldo, Antony and now Alejandro Garnacho for minutes in attack.

Anthony Martial’s eventual return from injury will make it even more complicated, as would a possible January move for Cody Gakpo.

Elanga should at least get minutes in the EFL Cup game against Aston Villa on November 10. He needs to make that opporutnity count.

He is not going to the World Cup as Sweden did not qualify, and this extra time at Carrington working with Ten Hag’s coaching staff may work in his favour, heading into 2023.

Ten Hag added: “He is a great kid to work with. Always positive and I think his brightness, his positive attitude and by working hard, he has the capabilities so now we have to improve that.”