Ex United youngster Mipo Odubeko backs Anthony Elanga to become ‘important player’

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Anthony Elanga has had a dream start to 2022, finally establishing himself as a Manchester United first team regular.

Heading into the derby this weekend, it would actually be a surprise if Elanga was not on the teamsheet, which shows how far he has come.

Backing him to continue his success is long-time pal and ex-teammate Mipo Odubeko, who left Manchester United’s academy in 2019 to try his luck at West Ham.

Odubeko told the Irish Independent: “I went to school with Anthony, we played together. He’s a great lad and deserves everything he gets.

“Not only is he a great footballer, but he’s a fantastic person too. He’s a big player, an important player and I feel he will go on to be an important player for them in their future.”

Elanga has earned huge praise from his United colleagues during his time with the first team for his humble and hard-working attitude as much as his success on the pitch, which culminated in an important goal away at Atletico Madrid last week in the Champions League.

The 19-year-old is expected to be called up into the Sweden senior international squad for the first time for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers after his recent surge in form.

Odubeko quit United in 2019

Odubeko has good memories at United and believes his time at the club benefitted him. He had been a regular with the under-16s and played twice for the under-18s, scoring once, before leaving.

Last season he scored a hat-trick for West Ham’s under-23s in a win over United, issuing a timely reminder of what he is capable of.

Odubeko said: “Man United was a great time for me. I grew up there, there was a lot of education on and off the pitch. United are the biggest club in the world, I worked under some great coaches, I was lucky to play with great players who have gone on in their careers.”

Currently he is out on loan at League One side Doncaster Rovers, alongside current United midfielder Ethan Galbraith. But with the side on course for relegation he has a tricky task ahead to help the 23rd placed side turn their form around.