Nicky Butt has hailed Anthony Elanga’s transformation as a player since leaving Manchester United in 2023.
As a member of Manchester United’s Class of ’92, Nicky Butt’s opinions carry weight.
Butt, 50, graduated from United’s academy in 1992, with his debut coming in a 3-0 Premier League win against Oldham Athletic.
The former England international made 387 appearances for the Red Devils before joining Newcastle in 2004.
However, Butt was part of United’s treble-winning squad in 1999 under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Butt would return to Old Trafford in 2012 as a coach for the club’s reserve team. He was appointed head of the academy four years later, following the departure of Brian McClair, but he would leave again in 2021.
Nowadays, Butt works as a football pundit and appears on many podcasts to share his views on the game.
Anthony Elanga has improved his game since leaving Man Utd
During Butt’s nine years as a coach at United, he worked with many talented players, including Anthony Elanga.
Elanga came through the youth ranks at United before making 55 appearances for the first team. The Sweden international would leave for more game time in 2023, joining Nottingham Forest and establishing himself as one of the most dangerous wingers in the Premier League.
Two impressive seasons at Forest led to a £55m transfer to Newcastle during the summer.
Although Elanga is waiting for his first goal in a Newcastle shirt, the 23-year-old performed exceptionally during Newcastle’s win over Union Saint-Gilloise in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
Elanga received the man of the match award for providing a constant threat on the right flank.
Speaking on BBC’s Champions League highlights show on Wednesday, Butt said Elanga has become a more mature player since leaving Old Trafford.
“Fantastic young footballer,” Butt said.
“Very pacey, but always struggled with the final bit of the game – the creativity, the crosses, the goals. Now he has got to a level, getting into the area and taking people on, putting some amazing balls into the box.
“I think he has matured over the last 18 months with the final little bit and got to know his game. Instead of being 100mph, he’s slowing himself down and getting in the right decisions, concentrating on that final ball.”
Anthony Elanga stats since leaving Man Utd
Elanga managed just four goals and four assists in his 55 games for United.
The Swede became more prolific during his time at Forest, with 33 goal contributions in 82 games.
It has been a slow start for Elanga at St James’ Park, but he will aim to build on his recent performance over USG.
| Games | Goals | Assists |
| 91 | 11 | 22 |
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