Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick believes Anthony Elanga can use his penalty heartache to help his footballing development.
The young Swede blazed his decisive spot kick over the bar on Friday night which meant Middlesbrough advanced 8-7 on penalties.
Elanga’s teammates went to console the youngster, who has experienced nothing but highs since Rangnick was appointed as our interim boss.
The 19-year-old has been given game time in eight of the 11 matches the German has took charge of so far.
Since being brought on in the 63-year-old’s first game as Manchester United manager against Crystal Palace, the Swedish under-21 international has established himself as a key part of the first-team squad.
The speedy winger seized his opportunity when given just his second ever Premier League start, which came at Villa Park last month.
United’s number 36 backed up an impressive performance against the Villains by opening the scoring against Brentford with a clever header.
Elanga will be hoping to his earn his fourth consecutive Premier League start when the Reds travel to Burnley tonight.
The youngster’s emergence meant that Rangnick was happy for the likes of Amad Diallo, Donny van de Beek and Anthony Martial to leave the club on loan, according to ESPN.
Jesse Lingard would have been allowed to leave too if it wasn’t for Mason Greenwood’s ongoing unavailability.
But despite missing a crucial penalty at the Stretford End, Rangnick believes that Elanga can learn from the heartache.
When asked how Elanga had responded to the disappointment, speaking via the club’s official website, Rangnick said: “Yeah, as far as I could see in training, he was okay. Of course, it was a difficult moment for him.
“In the last four weeks, he’s now experienced both sides of this beautiful game.
“He did extremely well in the past couple of weeks and scored a vital goal at Brentford. Now, in the cup, he’s also experienced negativity and how cruel football, at times, can be.
“It will definitely help him in his development in the next couple of months and years.”
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