Manchester United academy graduate Anthony Elanga has expressed his frustration at being limited to substitute appearances under manager Erik ten Hag. The 20-year-old winger was a regular feature in the first team last season under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick, making 27 appearances, including 16 starts and scoring three goals. However, this season he has only started seven games out of 24 and is yet to score. Elanga has revealed that he has discussed his situation with ten Hag, but the details of their conversation remain private.
Speaking to the media while on international duty with Sweden, Elanga said, “It is frustrating. You want to play. It is important. But if you don’t play, it’s not up to me but up to the coach. I have spoken to Erik and it is private between the two of us. I know what he wants me to do and I can just keep training hard. When the opportunity comes, I just have to be ready to take it.”
Despite rumours of a loan move away from the club in January, Elanga has remained focused on Manchester United and is determined to finish the season as strongly as possible. He said, “I love the club, but it’s important for me to play. I’m still young. We have spoken to the club and they know what is required and I know what is required.”
Elanga’s lack of game time is not limited to his club side, as he was also unable to get on the pitch during Sweden’s 3-0 loss to Belgium. However, he remains focused on his training and improving his game. “There is not much I can focus on,” he said. “It is Janne [Andersson] who chooses eleven players. I can only focus on what I do on the training ground.”
Despite his frustrations, Elanga remains committed to Manchester United and is determined to make the most of any opportunities that come his way. He has praised the club for their support and dialogue, saying, “That’s the good thing about the club, we talk a lot and they help me a lot.”