Aniket Rai
Manchester United in two minds over loan spell for Anthony Elanga
Speaking after Manchester United lost 4-2 to QPR this weekend (h/t Manchester Evening News), Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hinted that Anthony Elanga could be in his plans for this season.
The Swedish youth international has never gone out on a loan spell since he signed for United from Malmo in 2014. Instead, he has been a regular for the U18, and later, the U23 squad.
The 19-year-old striker was rewarded for his progress at the end of last season. He featured against Leicester City in May before lining up and scoring against Wolves on the penultimate day of the 2020/21 campaign.
Elanga also came on in the second half of United’s friendly against QPR this weekend. The Red Devils lost the game 4-2, but the Swede impressed in the second half and got himself a goal.
Anthony vs Anthony at United?
Solskjaer believes Elanga has the making to be a United player. He mentioned that his performances are giving him a tough time deciding his immediate future this season.
“It would be easy to say the boy should go on loan but he’s doing so well. He’s electric, his pace, his skill, he’s not afraid of anything, he’s got the courage and bravery of a Man United player.”
The Norwegian was impressed by Elanga against QPR. He stated that while going out on loan could be important for him to get game time, the teenager could well be playing his football at Old Trafford next season.
“….I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s going to be staying here. It depends, of course, we know it’s important for him to develop and get game-time but he’s one of them we’ve not really decided. Because if he keeps on like he is I might want to keep him.”
More Manchester United News:
- Transfer News: Raphael Varane expected to join Manchester United
- Tottenham and Harry Kane waiting for Manchester United offer
- Official: Will Fish joins Stockport County on loan
If the club does not sign a new attacker to compete with Anthony Martial for starts, then keeping Elanga to be the Frenchman’s understudy would make sense.
