Anthony Elanga left in no doubt over Man Utd future after Erik ten Hag decision

01 June 2023 , 01:00
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Anthony Elanga left in no doubt over Man Utd future after Erik ten Hag decision
Anthony Elanga left in no doubt over Man Utd future after Erik ten Hag decision

Manchester United are willing to sell Anthony Elanga for just £10million this summer after halving their asking price for the out-of-favour winger.

Elanga, 20, has been left "frustrated" due to a lack of game-time in his first season working with Erik ten Hag, who's handed him just seven starts in all competitions. The Swedish starlet, who made his debut Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2021, enjoyed a breakout campaign last term under interim manager Ralf Rangnick and looked set to kick ahead of the current season.

But with Ten Hag preferring Marcus Rashford, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho, it's become evident that the Red Devils boss views Elanga as surplus to requirements. As such, as first reported by the Manchester Evening News, United want just a relatively low fee to let the Sweden international go on a permanent basis.

Elanga's last appearance came in April when Ten Hag's side were dumped out of the Europa League by Sevilla thanks to a horrendous second-leg performance. That was his 55th first-team outing, as the 20-year-old failed to add to his rather unimpressive tally of four goals.

While Elanga is undoubtably talented, Ten Hag has much more faith in the Red Devils' other academy-made winger, Garnacho. The Spanish-born Argentina international has been revelation this season, giving United added dynamism and a bundle of flair on the flanks.

Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash eiqrriqqiqxqinvMarcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash

Have your say! Should Manchester United sell Anthony Elanga? Give us your verdict in the comments section.

Anthony Elanga left in no doubt over Man Utd future after Erik ten Hag decisionAnthony Elanga is poised to leave Manchester United when the transfer window opens in June (Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Elanga's last moment to remember was a goal for his country on March 27, making the most of a three-minute cameo as Sweden thrashed Azerbaijan to boost their hopes of qualifying for Euro 2024. Although Ten Hag is prepared to move him on, the Dutchman still believes that Elanga has "big potential."

"I'm happy to work with him," Ten Hag declared in October. "I think he can have a really good position in world football. I am definitely sure [he has a bright future] because he is a great kid to work with. Always positive and I think his brightness, his positive attitude and by working hard, he has the capabilities so now we have to improve that."

Anthony Elanga left in no doubt over Man Utd future after Erik ten Hag decisionErik ten Hag is prepared to offload Anthony Elanga (Antonio Pozo / Pressinphoto / Icon Sport)

During the international break, Elanga admitted his frustration in relation to a lack of opportunities at Old Trafford, telling Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet: "It is frustrating. You want to play, it's important. But whether you play or not, it's up to the coach, not me. I have spoken to Erik and it is private between the two of us.

"I know what he wants me to do and I just keep training hard. When the opportunity comes, I just have to be ready to take it.

"We have a lot of conversations, not only about [the lack of game time] but also what is happening around. That’s the good thing about the club, we talk a lot and they help me a lot."

Nathan Ridley

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