Erik ten Hag started Manchester United star Anthony Elanga to exploit the weakness of Fulham
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has revealed Anthony Elanga started against Fulham in the Premier League due to his pace. The Dutch manager felt the 20-year-old could trouble the Cottagers with his speed.
The Red Devils took on Marco Silva’s team on Sunday (13 November) at Craven Cottage. The match ended 2-1 in our favour after a stoppage-time winner from Alejandro Garnacho.
Speaking after the victory via Manchester Evening News, Ten Hag disclosed that he wanted to exploit Fulham’s weakness, which is why he gave Elanga the opportunity. The gaffer was pleased with what the Sweden international showed on the pitch.
“First of all, we started Elanga because we thought we need speed in the frontline because we thought that was a weakness for Fulham, that’s why we played Elanga.
“I think he’s doing well, he did well in the game, but there are also some facts we have to work on with him, especially in his anticipation and his productivity. I think he’s made huge progress in that but if he has to be a top player then he has to come even more.”
The 20-year-old started in the right wing against Fulham. He did well to trouble the opposition and track back when required. However, the youngster did not affect the game much in the first half.
We went into the break with a one-goal advantage. Christian Eriksen got the ball in the back of the net for the first time for the Manchester-based club in the 14tm minute.
United had a few opportunities immediately after the break. But unfortunately, we were unable to make the most of them And in the 55th minute, Ten Hag made his first substitution of the match, replacing Elanga with Scott McTominay.
While most fans are delighted with the Sweden international’s industry, his contribution in the final third leaves a lot to be desired. The 20-year-old has found himself on the bench for the majority of this term since the arrival of Antony.
The Cottagers managed to equalise at around the hour mark through former United star Daniel James. Thankfully, Garnacho came on to save the day for the Red Devils.
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We now have 26 points from 14 games with the victory over Fulham. The Old Trafford side are fifth in the league table going into the mid-season break due to the World Cup in Qatar.
