Ralf Rangnick has revealed Anthony Elanga’s recent involvement in the Manchester United first team is down to his performances on the training ground.
Elanga has been heavily included since the new boss took over from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer last month. And, speaking in his press conference ahead of tomorrow’s Premier League trip to Brentford, Rangnick had some kind words to say about the teenage talent.
Elanga has yet to miss out on a match-day squad since the German coach’s appointment, having played just once all season for the departed Norwegian.
The 19-year-old started last weekend’s enthralling draw with Aston Villa, building on the five minutes he earned in the FA Cup tie against the same opponents.
With appearances at home to Crystal Palace and Wolverhampton Wanderers also under his belt, it’s safe to say the young forward is very much in the manager’s thinking.
More so than the likes of Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial it would appear, who are both senior to Elanga but seem to be outsiders in Rangnick’s current plans.
Rangnick revels in Elanga’s emergence
While the out-of-favour pair seem to have become part of United’s past, Rangnick has identified and promoted Elanga for the future.
“He’s a young player. He has enough pace (and) enough focus,” Rangnick said when asked about Elanga.
“From the very first training session, the day before the Crystal Palace game, he just showed me. He was showing up in the training sessions and that was the reason I decided to play him at Villa Park.
“I think he did well. He showed exactly what I expected him to deliver in that game.
“He is a very bright boy – he listens to what he should do and he’s trying to put all the effort into his performances. I was pleased with his performance in the 75 minutes he played (against Villa).”
Back to face Brentford?
That glowing review gives the impression Elanga could feature again on Wednesday night.
It’s not clear whether Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcus Rashford will be available, meaning a space in the front line may open up.
The game against Brentford has a sense of uncertainty about it considering the two teams haven’t played each other since 1975.
How United will approach the match or line up is another mystery. One thing’s for certain – Elanga is going to be in or around that XI.
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