Man Utd star sends transfer message to Ten Hag after Neville "nightmare" claim

17 June 2023 , 16:42

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Anthony Elanga celebrates after scoring for Sweden against New Zealand (Image: Getty Images)

Anthony Elanga came on as a second-half substitute and scored in Sweden's friendly win over New Zealand on Friday as speculation continues to rise on his future.

Elanga, 21, replaced Viktor Claesson on the hour mark at the Friends Arena and he scored his nation's fourth and final goal as they earned a comfortable victory in Stockholm. He ran down the right channel before dribbling into the box and drilling an effort low into the far corner.

It capped off a 4-1 success with Jesper Karlsson striking twice and Robin Quaison also finding the back of the net for Sweden. Although Elanga's goal may not have had an effect on the overall outcome, it could be a massive confidence boost for the winger, who has been linked with a move away from Manchester United this summer.

Elanga has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford under Erik ten Hag and made just seven Premier League starts during the 2022/23 season. Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Marcus Rashford were all ahead of him on the wing and United could cash in on the youngster.

Having last scored for United in the Champions League against Atletico Madrid last February, the Red Devils were planning to offload Elanga on loan this summer. However, it is understood they will listen to permanent offers for the attacker, who has been tipped to join the likes of Everton and Borussia Dortmund.

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Elanga has not played in Premier League since he appeared late on in United's 7-0 thrashing at Liverpool in March and offers in the region of £10million will be considered, with Elanga deemed surplus to requirements. Speaking on his future earlier this week, Elanga admitted he will work hard to be considered for selection.

Anthony Elanga could leave Manchester United this summer (Getty Images)

He said: "It's been hard but I can't control it, it's just a matter of being strong in the head and showing that I'm ready when the coach wants me to play, but right now the season is over, and it was a good season for the club."

Elanga started his United senior career positively and was seen as their next top talent after impressing under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick in the 2021/22 season. He even managed to get some praise from Gary Neville after scoring twice against Salford in 2020 - and was branded a "nightmare" to play against.

Elanga has three years left to run on his contract at Old Trafford and is set to feature for Sweden against Austria next week. Having already received 11 caps for his national side, he could add to that collection with an appearance against Austria in a Euro 2024 qualifier.

Kieran King