Anthony Elanga’s rise to prominence in the Manchester United side took another giant step forwards against Brentford.
The Swedish under-21 international was handed successive Premier League starts for the first time in his career, following an impressive performance against Aston Villa.
Under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, it looked like the 19-year-old was destined to head out on loan in the January transfer window, but he is quickly establishing himself within this Manchester United side packed with established international stars.
The teenager doesn’t look fazed and he has grasped the opportunities he has been given after impressing interim boss Ralf Rangnick on the training ground.
United’s number 36 will be targeting another start in Saturday’s crunch clash in the quest for Champions League qualification against West Ham.
Elanga’s raw talent has been a breath of fresh air since becoming a regular fixture within the first team.
It’s highly unlikely that the winger will be making the drop down to Neil Wood’s under-23s side anytime soon.
He belongs in the Manchester United first team and his rise to prominence will give the likes of Hannibal Mejbri that belief that there is a route to the first team under Rangnick, if you impress on the training ground.
After yet another tepid and lacklustre first half performance, Brentford were swarming all over United, but it was Elanga who inspired his teammates.
Constantly making the inside runs off the touchline, Elanga was picked out by Fred and then slotted home a crucial opener.
The floodgates opened after Elanga’s header and his confidence will be sky-high after scoring his second goal in the Premier League.
Reaction
Elanga’s eye-catching performance saw him come in for high praise from the United faithful on social media. Here is what some fans have been saying about our talented youngster…
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