Surajit Das
Manchester United youngster Anthony Elanga says competition motivates him
While speaking in an interview as quoted by Manchester Evening News, Manchester United forward Anthony Elanga has stated that the idea of battling for a spot in the Red Devil’s starting XI this year excites him.
One of the few bright spots in United’s 2021/22 season, the Swedish forward Elanga made 21 Premier League appearances and scored two goals.
Anthony Martial’s return from his loan stint at Sevilla has boosted competition for Elanga’s job this season, and Marcus Rashford would want to return to form under new boss Erik ten Hag.
Elanga was speaking after United defeated Melbourne Victory in a pre-season friendly at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Despite conceding early, the Red Devils won 4-1, only days after defeating Liverpool 4-0 in Thailand.
In the interview, the 20-year-old insisted that this competition does not bother him.
“It is healthy competition. It is important to have competition like that in training, because if someone starts ahead of you in games it will motivate you to work even harder in training and try take their position.”
Last season, Elanga was a regular with the Red Devils, making 37 appearances across all competitions, scoring eight goals and providing five assists.
Rangnick’s faith in Elanga gave him a great deal of confidence, which has frequently translated into success on the field. His playing time increased in the previous campaign, and defenders on the other team have had trouble keeping up with him down our left wing.
Ronaldo and Elanga have been the only shining stars throughout the last campaign apart from David de Gea. While the latter has dazzled fans with his direct style of play since making the senior squad, the former has continued his prolific scoring streak as usual.
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Given how successful Elanga and Ronaldo’s collaboration has been thus far in the current campaign, things can only continue to improve if Ronaldo stays with us for the foreseeable future.
It is only good for United if Martial and Rashford also join them in the attack. The duo has a lot to prove after a disappointing spell. But given how they are doing hard work during pre-season, we could be able to see a better version of themselves next season.
