Manchester United's Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes (C) and Manchester United German Interim head coach Ralf Rangnick (R) console Manchester United's Swedish striker Anthony Elanga (L) after his penalty miss gave victory to Middlesbrough in the English FA Cup fourth round football match between Manchester United and Middlesbrough at Old Trafford in Manchester, north-west England, on February 4, 2022. - Middlesbrough won the tie 8-7 on penalties after the game finished 1-1 at full and extra time. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Lindsey Parnaby / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images)
Ralf Rangnick believes Anthony Elanga can use his disappointing penalty from the shootout defeat against Middlesbrough to help his footballing development.
Not only did his team-mates surrounding him with support but the Stretford End sung his new song, which has become a hit on the terraces, with Elanga getting more game time under his belt since Rangnick was appointed manager. And, he has quickly established himself a key part of the first-team squad.
The young Swede sent his penalty over the bar on Friday night as Boro won 8-7 on penalties to reach the fourth round of the FA Cup. But despite that, Rangnick believes the youngster can learn from the heartache as it could serve as a valuable lesson in his budding career.
When asked how the forward responded to the disappointment, Rangnick told the club’s official website: “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.
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“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.”
This is all very encouraging and to see Elanga breakthrough into the first-team may be the highlight of the season. We could be looking back at it as a masterstroke from Rangnick in years to come.
