Home » ARTICLES » “Big team”- Man United starlet sends squad depth message to ten Hag ahead of summer window

“Big team”- Man United starlet sends squad depth message to ten Hag ahead of summer window

published :

Manchester United decided that Anthony Elanga will not be loaned out despite several interests last January.

Manchester United winger Anthony Elanga sends message to Erik Ten Hag upon his arrival at Old Trafford

Speaking to the club’s official website, Anthony Elanga expressed his desire to fight for his place in the squad regardless of the competition he faces ahead of Erik ten Hag’s arrival.

The 20-year-old is eager to work under the new management as he did with interim manager Ralf Rangnick. The winger was set to be loaned out in the winter transfer window before Rangnick vetoed the decision.

The faith put by Rangnick in the player has given him immense confidence which has reflected well on the pitch on many occasions. He has seen an increase in his playing time in recent months and has been a menace down our left flank for opposition defenders to deal with.

Anthony Elanga wishes to cement his place under the new manager.
Anthony Elanga wishes to cement his place under the new manager.

Despite the winger’s efforts, the club was unable to secure a Champions League spot and is still unsure if they will play the Europa League or the Conference league next season. It all boils down to the final match on Sunday as they travel to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace.

Elanga has now sent a reminder to Manchester United and ten Hag about how important squad depth is. He claims it is important to have competition in all positions of the pitch so that players are motivated to give the best performances week in, week out.

“Competition is healthy, especially in the environment I am in. I feel like everyone is pushing each other to become the best version of themselves [and] it shows, even in training. Competition is something you need in a big team like Manchester United. If you want to become the best, you’ve got to compete with the best.”

Gaffer’s Stint with United

Having recently won the league title with Ajax, the new United manager has already begun ideating plans for the summer. Since his arrival in London, ten Hag seems engrossed with the club and may very well attend the final match on Sunday.

Incoming United head coach, Erik Ten Hag set to rebuild the squad this summer. (Photo by OZAN KOSE/AFP via Getty Images)
Incoming United head coach, Erik Ten Hag set to rebuild the squad this summer. (Photo by OZAN KOSE/AFP via Getty Images)

While a revolution at Old Trafford is expected this summer, fans would expect to see players going in and out of the club in order to have a team good enough to compete for the biggest tiles next season. Amidst this situation, Elanga has made it very clear that he is ready to acclimatize under the new boss.

A restructuring of the squad can help us start afresh in many ways and for ten Hag to have a team of players that can reflect his idea of football on the pitch.

More Manchester United News

Erik Ten hag has proven himself with Ajax in the Champions League on several occasions and is known to have groomed young players into world beaters under his management. This could come across as good news for 20-year-old Elanga, who is in good spirits for the forthcoming season.

Jadon Sancho has played on the left flank at times under Rangnick but he is more than adept on the right-hand side. Elanga, hence, can expect some playing time besides whoever leads our line next season. WIth Mason Greenwood’s suspension and Marcus Rashford’s underwhelming form, Elanga could be the player who makes a big impression under ten Hag.