25 July 2023 , 21:32
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Bruno Fernandes has wished Anthony Elanga “all the best” after he decided to quit Manchester United.
The Red Devils academy graduate brought his long association with United to an end earlier this week. His £15m move to Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest was made official on Tuesday.
Elanga, 21, has put pen to paper on a five-year contract with the Midlands outfit. His move brings to an end a long stint in Manchester for the young forward. He was handed a place in the Red Devils’ academy as a 12-year-old and he went on to make his senior debut for the club during the 2020/21 campaign. In the time since, he has made 55 appearances in all competitions for United, scoring four goals.
After his move was announced, Elanga was sent a message by his former captain Fernandes. Taking to Instagram, the Portuguese playmaker wrote: “All the best kid @AnthonyElanga,” with a red heart emoji.
It is not the first time that Fernandes has paid tribute to his former teammate. Even before Elanga had been handed his first-team debut, the former Sporting Lisbon star hailed his ability and predicted a bright future at Old Trafford.
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"He [Elanga] is impressing everyone because he is a really nice kid," Fernandes said back in 2021. "Quiet, works hard.
Bruno Fernandes has sent Anthony Elanga a message after his Man United exit (Getty Images)Who else should Man United sell this summer? Share your suggestions in the comments below
“He is really good on the ball, plays with both feet. So he has a future. If he puts his head focused on what he has to do and what he can achieve, I think he has a future with us.”
Elanga penned an emotional farewell letter to Man United after his exit was confirmed. Taking to Instagram, he said: “Making my debut, playing over 50 times for the first team, scoring in the Champions League and winning a trophy for this incredible club…. If you told me that all of that would happen when I arrived in England at 11 years old I would have been buzzing.
"There are so many players and staff that have played a major role in helping to make those dreams become a reality and supported me in developing into the man that I am today. I will be forever grateful to each and every one of you.
"From the moment that I watched a game from the Stretford End as a young boy, I've known that United fans are special. We'll always have 'Rhythm is a dancer'. It meant the world to me and my family every time that we heard that chant. There are not enough words to properly thank you for the unbelievable support.”
Elanga is not the first academy graduate to leave Old Trafford this summer. Zidane Iqbal and Axel Tuanzebe have both been allowed to depart, whilst Dean Henderson could be set to join former teammate Elanga at the City Ground before the end of the transfer window.