Manchester United winger Anthony Elanga subject of interest ahead of January transfer window

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Manchester United winger Anthony Elanga is the subject of interest ahead of the January transfer window opening, according to The Mail.

The 20-year-old has started six games under Erik ten Hag this season, but when the Dutchman has all of his attacking options available, it’s hard to see the Sweden international starting games regularly.

All five of Elanga’s starts in the Premier League this season have come when Antony either wasn’t at the club, or the Brazilian was injured.

The only time United’s number 36 has started a game alongside the former Ajax forward was United’s Europa League defeat to Real Sociedad at Old Trafford with Elanga starting on the left and Antony on the right.

Manchester United winger Anthony Elanga subject of interest ahead of January transfer window

The nine-time Sweden international started both of United’s winter friendlies against La Liga sides Cadiz and Real Betis alongside Alejandro Garnacho and Anthony Martial.

The Manchester United Academy graduate will be hoping to start alongside the aforementioned duo in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup fourth-round tie against Burnley at the Theatre of Dreams.

Following Antony and Marcus Rashford’s World Cup exploits, alongside Jadon Sancho’s prolonged absence, Elanga needs to seize his opportunity.

Because when Antony, Rashford and Sancho do return, and following Garnacho’s increased game time, Elanga may find himself dropping further down the pecking order.

Facundo Pellistri, who joined the club over two years ago, is yet to make his Red Devils debut and after impressing in his maiden World Cup with Uruguay, the pacey South American will be hoping to get his own chance under the former Ajax boss.

Elanga hasn’t scored for club or country since netting in the Champions League at the Wanda Metropolitano against Atletico Madrid back in February.

Ralf Rangnick handed Elanga his senior United debut, but he’s in danger of being left behind if he doesn’t step up.

Ahead of the January transfer window opening in two weeks time, The Mail report that Elanga is ‘in demand’.

Depending on whether Ten Hag does manage to sign another forward to replace Cristiano Ronaldo like Cody Gakpo, the 52-year-old may have a decision to make on whether to allow Elanga to go out on loan and play regularly for the second half of the campaign.

But with Pellistri potentially heading out on loan come the new year, Ten Hag won’t want to leave himself short in the wide areas.