According to a report from Express, Anthony Elanga, the 21-year-old winger from Manchester United’s academy, is nearing a transfer to Nottingham Forest. Despite initially travelling to the United States, he is expected to return to England to undergo a medical examination and finalise a £15 million move to Forest.
Elanga’s Disappointing Season At Manchester United
Throughout the past season, Anthony Elanga faced a challenging time at Old Trafford, finding it difficult to live up to expectations in the attacking department. Despite his best efforts, the 21-year-old winger could only manage a solitary assist in 22 appearances for the Red Devils across various competitions during the campaign.
Regrettably, Elanga couldn’t fully capitalize on his opportunities, despite possessing undeniable talent in the opponent’s half. His statistics of 0.6 shots, 0.4 key passes, and 0.3 dribbles per 90 minutes in the Premier League showcased a lack of significant impact. Additionally, his passing accuracy was less than satisfactory, with a pass completion rate of just 76% in league matches, according to statistics from whoscored.
Good Call From Ten Hag In Sanctioning His Exit?
Elanga’s overall performance during the recent season fell short of expectations, indicating the need for him to refine his skills and increase consistency to make a more substantial impact on the team. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to recognize that he possesses significant potential and remarkable abilities that have garnered attention from several clubs. Despite facing challenges at Old Trafford, his talents and promise for the future deserve acknowledgement.
One of Elanga’s standout qualities is his exceptional speed, allowing him to outpace defenders and create space in the attacking third. Moreover, he has showcased impressive technical skills, particularly in dribbling, skillfully manoeuvring past opponents with close ball control and quick direction changes. Furthermore, his versatility adds to his value, as he can effectively operate on either flank, providing valuable flexibility to his team.
However, Erik ten Hag has not included Elanga in his plans for the squad overhaul, indicating that the young winger may need to seek regular playing opportunities elsewhere. Nevertheless, there is a possibility for Man United to negotiate a transfer deal that includes a buy-back clause, offering the chance for Elanga to return to Old Trafford in the future if he fulfils his potential. In this context, Nottingham Forest’s £15 million offer seems justifiable and mutually beneficial for both parties.
