Anthony Elanga has had to prove his worth to Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag this season.
Anthony Elanga gave a surprising response when former Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo criticised the club’s youngsters last year. But the Swede’s decision to stand up and be counted may well have served him well in the long run, while also telling manager Erik ten Hag all he needs to know about his character.
Ronaldo infamously lashed out at United in a fiery interview with Piers Morgan before leaving Old Trafford. Numerous aspects of the club were in the firing line, including Red Devils youngsters who, according to the Portuguese, ‘do not care’ as much as his generation.
“They don’t suffer,” he added. “I don’t mean just Man United, but all teams. They are not the same as my generation. But we cannot blame them.
“It is part of the life of the new generation, the new technologies which distract them from other things. They are not the same. They listen, but they hear one side [and it goes out the other ear]. It doesn’t surprise me, but it is a shame.”
Anthony Elanga refused to dismiss Cristiano Ronaldo’s Man Utd youngster claims (Image: GETTY)
Instead of shying away or striking back at the criticism, 20-year-old Elanga threw weight behind Ronaldo’s claims by acknowledging that he may have a point. “Cristiano talks about young players in general,” he told Aftonbladet. “We are a new generation.
“I am always 100 per cent focused on what I am doing, but I can understand what he is saying. There are a lot of phones and a lot of technology. It’s quite easy for young players to get distracted and lose focus. I always focus 100 per cent on my job and what I do. Young players at United are listening, but I can understand what he is saying.”
Since Ronaldo’s assessment, Elanga has knuckled down to prove the former Real Madrid ace wrong and he is gradually reaping the rewards. The Swedish international has now surpassed 50 senior appearances for United, and with 24 games in all competitions this term, he is on course to surpass last season’s total.
Elanga has managed to maintain a spot in Ten Hag’s plans despite the big-money arrival of fellow winger Antony last summer and the noticeable improvement in Jadon Sancho.
Anthony Elanga featured against Real Betis in the Europa League knockout rounds (Image: Getty)
With 16 Premier League appearances so far this season, Elanga has featured more regularly than wonderkid Alejandro Garnacho. His response to Ronaldo’s claims has undoubtedly shown Ten Hag that he can take criticism in the right way and channel it into improving his game.
Although he didn’t get a run-out in the FA Cup quarter-final win over Fulham on Sunday, Elanga was brought on for the final 25 minutes against Real Betis last week as United continued their quest for the Europa League.
Source: express.co.uk
