When Anthony Elanga joined Nottingham Forest from Manchester United in 2023, he was joining a side that had just finished 16th in the Premier League, and leaving one that had just secured Champions League football with a third placed finish. Now, he’s an integral part of a team that look destined to secure Champions League football whilst his former team languish in 13th place, some 20 points behind Forest.
Anthony Elanga: From Unappreciated at Manchester United to Unstoppable at Forest
Elanga Impresses Vs Manchester United
When the Swedish international completed a stunning 85-yard solo goal to sink United at the City Ground on April 2, he became another in a long line of discarded players to come back to haunt the Red Devils.
Read More: Andre Onana Makes Stance Clear On Manchester United Future
The 22-year-old has notched a highly impressive 14 combined goals and assists this campaign, and is currently enjoying the finest form of his career as Forest continue to defy all expectations.
Why Did Elanga Leave Manchester United?
Born in Malmo, Sweden, Elanga moved to England as a child and joined United’s academy setup aged 12. The youngster was immediately touted as a hot prospect and fast-tracked, making his debut for the U18 side aged just 15 years old.
His first team breakthrough came in the latter stages of the 2020/21 season, when he started the final two games of the campaign and scored his first senior goal away at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Read More: ‘Internal Decision Has Been Made’: Manchester United Reveal Transfer Deadline Day Stance
In 2021/22, the teenager became one of United’s most exciting players under Ralf Ragnick, making 27 appearances in all competitions and scoring three goals, including a late equaliser against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League Round of 16.
However, the former academy player fell out of favour under new boss Erik Ten Hag, who deemed that he was not up to scratch for third-placed United. A £15 million transfer to Nottingham Forest ensued, which now looks like an incredible piece of transfer business.
Since the 22-year-old’s departure, the Red Devils have signed Rasmus Hojlund, Mason Mount, and Joshua Zirkzee to bolster their forward line, splashing over £150 million on the rather underwhelming trio. To put it into perspective, Elanga’s tally of six league goals this season is the same as the three have managed between them.
It is a similar story with a number of Forest’s most impressive players, with Callum Hudson-Odoi (Chelsea), Elliot Anderson (Newcastle) and Neco Williams (Liverpool) all deemed surplus to requirements by their boyhood clubs before moving to the City Ground.
How Has Elanga Improved Since Joining Forest?
Nuno Espirito Santo’s counter-attacking style of football seems to fit the tireless winger perfectly. The Swedish international may be characterised by blistering pace, as was clearly on display against United, but he is also extremely diligent off the ball, aggressively pressing opposing full-backs and looking to create turnovers.
Forest average just 39.7% possession this season, the lowest of any Premier League side, and their ability to soak up pressure for long periods of time is enabled by collective hard work and fantastic defensive organisation. When they then win possession, they immediately look for Elanga and fellow speedster Hudson-Odoi to launch rapid and often devastating counter-attacks.
The 22-year-olds tally of nine assists also highlights his eye for a pass, as his pinpoint delivery from wide areas has allowed striker Chris Wood to flourish, with the New Zealander enjoying the best form of his career.
