Pranav Nair
Ralf Rangnick eyes Anthony Elanga to replace Anthony Martial at Manchester United
According to The Telegraph (h/t The Mirror), Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick appears to believe that Anthony Elanga can replace Anthony Martial should the latter call it quits at Old Trafford.
The Frenchman has endured a difficult spell at Old Trafford since joining the club from AS Monaco in 2015. He has since made 269 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 79 goals and making 50 assists.
Martial has however played just 369 minutes of action this season. If the competition for places wasn’t already difficult to begin with, the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho has further limited the Frenchman’s opportunities.
At 26, Martial should be in his prime. However, he is more of an inconsistent mess who looks unlikely to fulfil his potential at Old Trafford. Ironically, his potential departure could lay the foundation for another youngster to fulfil his potential at the club.
Anthony Elanga was handed his first-team debut last season and has since struck a chord with the Red Devils management. His tenacity and work rate make him a tailor-made option for Ralf Rangnick’s system.
With the January transfer window fast approaching, a decision has to be made on Martial’s future. The Red Devils need to ensure that with or without the Frenchman, they have the strength in depth required to battle along multiple fronts.
Elanga appears to have made an impression at Old Trafford. The club is keen to offer him a new deal and tie him down to the club in the long run. Given his performances so far, it is easy to argue the point.
More Manchester United News
- Transfer News: Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick to prove key in potential deal for Chelsea ace Antonio Rudiger
- Manchester United sent a scout to watch Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier
- Transfer News: Newcastle United eye Atletico Madrid ace Kieran Trippier in January amidst Manchester United links
While it is unfortunate that martial could potentially leave sans fulfilling his potential, the club cannot continue to keep giving him chances. Maybe a fresh challenge elsewhere is what the Frenchman seeks tor rekindle his flagging career. With or without him, Elanga looks a real talent set for the top.
