Elanga enjoys Swede success
ANTHONY Elanga admits it has been ‘crazy’ to break into the United side this season, but insists his focus is already on taking his game to the next level in the years ahead.
The 20-year-old only made his debut for the Reds a year ago before being promoted to the senior side under interim manager Ralf Rangnick.
The Swede has now made 25 appearances for United, netting three goals and grabbing two assists.
He played a pivotal role in the Reds’ win over Brentford, setting up Bruno Fernandes’ opener after a fine piece of wing play in the build-up.
It was another moment to savour for the United academy graduate, who admits it is hard to comprehend how far his career has come.
“It has been crazy,” he said. “To play 25 games for the first team has been amazing for me.
“Yes, we have not had the best of seasons, but we can always get back to improving and focussing on our next two games.
“Work hard over the summer and with the new manager coming in, it should be really, really special.
“I just want to keep playing. I feel like I am ready to take that next step, really kick-on, not just for the club but international level as well. I feel like I’m ready and I want to keep pushing, keep working hard.”
Fernandes broke his recent goal drought with the Reds’ opener last night – his 50th goal for United since joining the club back in January 2020.
“It is a long time since I scored!” said the Portugal international.
“Obviously I am happy, but those numbers don’t count for me. I want to get numbers with trophies and not with goals.”
United’s 3-0 victory was a sweet ending to a bitter home campaign which will see the side fail to win a trophy or qualify for the Champions League, and Fernandes insists the team are determined to end it on a high when they face Brighton and Crystal Palace in their final two games and use it as a springboard for a fresh start next season.
He added: “Last game of the season at home, we wanted to give a good result and good performance. We know our standard has not been the same as we expect but last game of the season we finish well at home.
“The fans have been amazing supporting us. We know our season has not been at the level it should be but there is nothing we can do now but finish in the best way possible, win games and think of the next season.”