Theory: Why a Former United Player Called a Man City Defender a ‘Dead Player’ – Insights from Man City Fans
A recent incident involving Anthony Elanga, a former Manchester United player who now plays for Nottingham Forest, has caught the attention of Manchester City fans. During a TikTok video where Elanga was asked to rank ten random football players from best to worst, he appeared to make a sly dig at Josko Gvardiol, a defender for Manchester City. Elanga quietly said, ‘Dead player’, when Gvardiol’s face popped up on the screen before ranking him in tenth place.
The reason behind Elanga’s remark is not entirely clear, but some Manchester City fans believe it may be due to his loyalty to Manchester United. Elanga came through the youth ranks at United before joining Nottingham Forest in July 2023. However, others speculate that the comment was made out of spite following an incident between Elanga and Gvardiol during a previous match between Nottingham Forest and Manchester City in September.
A clip of Gvardiol barging Elanga to the ground during their encounter has gone viral and become a point of mockery for Manchester City fans. Social media users have been quick to comment on the incident, suggesting that Elanga’s remark was a result of being “bodied” by Gvardiol. Despite the banter, Gvardiol has impressed when given the opportunity to play this season. Although primarily a centre-back, he has been deployed as a left-back by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola in 12 out of his 16 Premier League appearances.
While the exact motive behind Elanga’s comment remains uncertain, it is clear that there is some tension between him and Gvardiol. Whether it is due to his allegiance to Manchester United or a personal grudge from their previous encounter, the incident has certainly sparked debate among football fans.
In conclusion, Anthony Elanga’s remark referring to Josko Gvardiol as a ‘dead player’ has caused a stir among Manchester City fans. While some believe it may be due to Elanga’s loyalty to Manchester United, others speculate that it stems from a previous encounter between the two players. Regardless of the motive, the incident has become a subject of mockery and banter among football fans, highlighting the passion and rivalry present in the sport.