One man who has largely been a bystander to proceedings at Manchester United in recent times is academy graduate Anthony Elanga, with the explosive Swede having slipped down the attacking pecking order under Erik ten Hag.
Just under a year on from his composed finish in the draw away to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, the 20-year-old has failed to truly kick on since the change in the dugout, having benefitted from the faith of interim boss Ralf Rangnick last season.
The youngster’s woes are emphasised by the fact that his standout moment at the Wanda Metropolitano remains the last time that the 5 foot 10 dud managed to get on the scoresheet for the Red Devils, having contributed just two assists in 21 games in all competitions this season.
Those struggles have come amid limited chances to impress for the former Malmo asset in the current campaign, as the nine-cap speedster has failed to start a Premier League game since the win over Fulham in November.
In fact, the dynamic wide man has only featured once off the bench in the club’s last six top-flight outings, with that rare appearance coming as a brief cameo in last weekend’s triumph over Leeds United at Elland Road.
Amid that inability to force his way into the side – even amid Antony’s recent injury and with Jadon Sancho having only just returned to action – there may well be some questioning just why the emerging prospect was not allowed to depart last month, amid hefty interest in his services.
As journalist Fabrizio Romano outlined, United were said to have received as many as ten proposals during the January transfer window to take the winger on loan, with Everton one of those eyeing up an initial temporary swoop.
Although Elanga ultimately stayed put at the Theatre of Dreams, there may well be wisdom in sanctioning his exit come the summer, either on a loan move or a permanent deal.
Should Ten Hag opt for the latter option and allow the former youth starlet to exit permanently, it could well represent good business for the club, with Football Transfers suggesting that the 20-year-old’s expected transfer value is around €31m (£27m).
That would prove an immense profit on a player who has cost the club nothing in transfer fees after rising up through the academy ranks, with there likely to be a consideration as to the benefit of seeling Elanga in the near future, particularly as he has been dubbed “not good enough” by talkSPORT pundit Gabby Agbonlahor.
For all of the Swede’s promise last season – having been described as a “breath of fresh air” by club legend Denis Irwin – he does now appear to be “suffering” as a result of being propelled into the first-time so soon, according to journalist Muhammad Butt.
Having now been overtaken in the attacking pecking order by 18-year-old Alejandro Garnacho – who scored in the win over Leeds – and with Facundo Pellistri also enjoying a more prominent role of late, it is hard to see just where Elanga fits into Ten Hag’s plans moving forward.
Therefore, while it may be a rather ruthless decision, it could be time that United’s breakout star of 2021/22 is shown the door.
Source: footballfancast.com
