Aheed Abrar
Anthony Elanga “can understand” Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo criticising youngsters
Manchester United forward Anthony Elanga acknowledges the criticism Cristiano Ronaldo has directed towards young players. The 20-year-old “can understand” where the Portugal international is coming from.
In the 37-year-old’s recent interview with Piers Morgan, he took aim at the up-and-coming generation. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner feels young players nowadays have things easy. And he feels today’s prospects “do not care”.
Speaking to Swedish outlet Aftonbladet via Sport Witness (h/t Manchester Evening News), Elanga concurs with Ronaldo. The 20-year-old admits today’s generation can get easily distracted due to modern-day technology.
“Cristiano talks about young players in general. We are a new generation.
“There are a lot of phones and a lot of technology. It’s quite easy for young players to get distracted and lose focus. I always focus 100 per cent on my job and what I do. Young players at United are listening, but I can understand what he is saying.”
Elanga made his competitive debut for the Red Devils in May 2021. Against Leicester City in the Premier League, the youngster was handed a start. Unfortunately, we lost 2-1.
The 20-year-old has come up through the ranks at United and made a name for himself in the first team last season. After lacklustre performances from the likes of Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho, the Sweden international was handed regular opportunities by Ralf Rangnick.
In the previous campaign, Elanga made 27 appearances for the Old Trafford side in all competitions. He found the back of the net three times and provided two assists. While the youngster was not prolific enough in front of goal, he brought energy and industry to the side.
However, with the arrival of Erik ten Hag in the United dugout, most of the attackers who were underwhelming last season have seemingly found their feet once again. As a result, the Sweden international has seen his game time dwindle.
The Dutch manager also signed Antony in the recent transfer window to bolster the forward line. And the Brazilian has occupied the right wing of the Red Devils’ starting lineup.
More Manchester United News
- Christian Eriksen advises Manchester United loanee Hannibal Mejbri to enjoy maiden World Cup with Tunisia
- Gary Neville believes Cristiano Ronaldo wanted a way out of Manchester United by doing Piers Morgan interview
- Liverpool midfielder Fabinho aims dig at Manchester United trio Casemiro, Fred and Antony
Each generation has its own issues and problems. And Ronaldo has done himself no favours, with many United fans feeling the 37-year-old’s interview does not pose a good example for youngsters.
