Ole Gunnar Solskajer has heaped the praise on Anthony Elanga, who continues to improve as a player.
Manchester United’s pre-season continued with a pretty entertaining 2-2 draw at home to Old Trafford. It had been over 500 days since some Red Devils supporters had flocked into the Theatre of Dreams due to COVID-19. They were certainly given some fantastic viewing.
The performance, on the whole, was an attacking one. Great trust was once again placed in youngsters, due to the fact that several senior players still haven’t returned to training.
Amongst them once again was Anthony Elanga. After playing his part towards the back end of last season, the Swede has been United’s bright spark during this pre-season campaign thus far.
Last night was no different. Elanga would open the scoring in the first half with a lovely strike, putting in a brilliant overall performance.
After the game, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would praise the versatile United starlet who is now almost certainly breaking into the first-team ahead of the new campaign.
Check out what Solskjaer had to say here:
“The first goal had some great passes, some combination play, a big switch from Nemanja {Matic], some good play and a great volley from Anthony who’s just improving and getting better and better.” Solskjaer told ManUtd.com.
“The boy is electric, has energy and enthusiasm, he’s really enjoying himself.
“He’s done himself the world of good. We know he’s a good player, we know he’s a good lad. He works so hard, he’s always smiley, bright, asking what more he needs to do, he’s so hungry to improve and get better. He can play wide left, wide right, up front.. so anywhere along the front line. He’s going to be an asset.”
Talk about high praise indeed. Don’t forget that Elanga was thought of as someone who was ready to play senior minutes at the beginning of 2021, though injury set his development back a few months.
Now, we’re looking at a player who definitely has a role to play. He can start all across the front line, threaten with his pace out wide and use his intelligence to play through the middle if needed. Although Jadon Sancho has been added, I reckon we’ll see Elanga given his fair share of minutes this campaign.
If I’m Daniel James, Juan Mata and Amad Diallo, I’m seriously worried about being overtaken by Elanga. Perhaps in Solskjaer’s mind, he’s already in front of one or two of those guys in the pecking order. Seriously, the teenager deserves immense credit for rising to the top so rapidly.
Is Anthony Elanga good enough for the Man United first-team? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.
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