Manchester United have announced the departure of young winger Anthony Elanga, as a deal to take the Swedish international to Nottingham Forest was agreed last weekend.
The deal, which is rumoured to cost Forest around £15 million according to The Telegraph, has been completed and Elanga penned an emotional goodbye to the club that he has been at since he was 11 years old.
Exit confirmed
“There are so many players and staff that have played a major role in helping to make my dreams become a reality,” the Swedish winger said on Twitter. “I will be forever grateful to each and every one of you.”
Elanga broke through United’s famed academy and was given a few appearances under former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at the back end of the COVID-affected season of 2020-2021, but it was Ralf Rangnick who blooded him in properly.
After a disastrous season in 2021-2022, Elanga was really the only bright spark for United. The winger made 14 starts in the Premier League that season and a further seven substitute appearances for the Red Devils.
He scored a crucial goal at the Wanda Metropolitana against Atletico Madrid for United, but it sadly wasn’t enough for the Red Devils to beat Diego Simeone’s side over two legs.
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What will he be remembered for?
This season, the winger has been limited to more of a bit-part role under Erik ten Hag. It didn’t seem the winger was in the Dutchman’s plans, and this sale has confirmed that.
The youngster will always be remembered for his endeavour, his fearlessness, and his ability to adapt to whatever the manager wants from him.
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He will be a good fit at Forest and the winger, in his statement, seemed to explain his decision to leave Old Trafford.
“It is the right time now for the perfect next step in my career,” he said. “I’m someone who lives for football and I need to be on the pitch every week doing what I love.”
The winger will certainly get much more game time in the East Midlands and will turn out to be a decent asset for Cooper’s side.