Manchester United interim head coach Ralf Rangnick wants his players to be inspired by Anthony Elanga performance

Speaking after the away leg against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League Round of 16 (h/t Express), Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick said he wished more players would be inspired by forward Anthony Elanga after the teenager scored the equaliser to end the game 1-1 on the night.

The Swede came on in the second half and had an immediate impact, scoring just five minutes into his introduction as he finished coolly past the Atletico keeper to ensure his team headed back to Manchester with an important goal in the bag ahead of the second leg.

Rangnick was delighted with Elanga’s display last night, and described the player as a joy to watch on the pitch. The teenager seems to be taking his chances of late, which is only boosting his chances of getting more game time under the manager.

“He is playing as though it is a dream come true, it is a joy and fun to watch him play.”

Elanga’s first Champions League is sure to only see his stock rise in the footballing world, with the academy graduate making an impact in England as well as in Europe in what is a standout season for the winger. We can only hope he continues his fine form for United in the coming months.

Role model

Despite the 19-year-old forward’s brilliant performance, Rangnick will be concerned about the rest of his team’s poor showing against Atletico, as they were out beaten in the first half of the game. The side looked lethargic and frustrated against the La Liga champions, after going a goal down within 10 minutes of the game.

The German hit out at his other players, saying they should be looking at Elanga as a role model for themselves and play boldly against the opposition. We can hope the senior stars take the manager’s words seriously in the return leg of the tie at home.

“I wish a few other players would take him as an example and as a role model.”

Elanga has seen a brilliant week for him personally, with two goals in two games under his belt. The youngster has only improved his chances of being afforded a starting role in the next league game against Watford on the weekend, and all eyes will be on the teamsheet on Saturday to see if the Carrington product can add to his goals tally.

After being one of the brightest United players in the second half, Rangnick will also be pondering whether to give the teenager more chances against the same opposition in the second leg of the tie. Elanga showed great composure to score the team’s equalising goal, which shows a maturity well beyond his years as he took to the hostile away atmosphere and revelled in it.

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Rangnick is right in asking his players to follow Elanga’s example and play to their best, especially given the body language of the other stars in that terrible first half last night. Frustration and lack of cool heads were evident on the pitch, and United gave away countless balls to their opponents and made things worse for themselves.

The return leg at Old Trafford is under three weeks away, and that gives Rangnick and his squad enough time to learn from their mistakes and come back stronger. The home crowd will be essential in the second leg of the tie as we look to seal progress into the quarterfinals of the Champions League.