Anthony Elanga returns to Old Trafford this Saturday for the first time since leaving Manchester United for Nottingham Forest in July.
The winger completed a permanent move to the Midlands outfit in a deal believed to be worth £15 million. Having graduated Carrington and progressed straight to the first-team, Elanga had only ever played for United before his move.
Depth in attack meant that game time was incredibly limited under Erik ten Hag and at 21, it was certainly the wisest option for him to seek more minutes elsewhere.
Elanga came off the bench in Forest’s season opener against Arsenal to make his debut at the Emirates and contributed an assist within minutes on the pitch. He featured again the following game-week against Sheffield United at home in a 21-minute cameo.
Whether it’s as a starter or as a substitute, the Sweden international will most likely make an appearance when his side take on United this weekend, and he can expect a warm reception from the Old Trafford faithful.
Elanga thankful for United teammates
When reflecting on his time in M16, he said: “Playing with one of, arguably the best players in the world, of all-time, [Cristiano] Ronaldo, and obviously the likes of Bruno [Fernandes], Christian Eriksen – I can go through the whole team. [Raphael] Varane, Casemiro. I learnt a lot from them. Not just what they do on the pitch but off the pitch as well; their discipline and how they look after themselves.
“I took a lot of things and tried to bring that into here,” he continued. “And I’m trying to do that on a regular basis. Like I say, the last two games, showing what I can do. I just want to keep that momentum going really.”
🗣️ "I learnt a lot from them."
Anthony Elanga on what experience he can take from his Manchester United teammates to Nottingham Forest 🌳 pic.twitter.com/gql1bW9iw3
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) August 24, 2023
Footage courtesy of Football Daily.
