Nottingham Forest has climbed to second place in the Premier League after a 2-0 away victory over Everton, evoking memories of their past glory as European champions. The first goal was assisted by Anthony Elanga, who joined from Manchester United, with a header relay and one-two pass with striker Chris Wood, culminating in Wood's lobbed shot into the net. Elanga also played a part in the second goal, again teaming up with Wood, this time through a foot-pass, with Wood assisting Gibbs-White to secure the win.
In his last four games, Elanga has contributed three goals and one assist, including scoring in three consecutive matches, playing a crucial role in Nottingham Forest's rise to the top four of the league table. Since leaving Manchester United for Forest, the 22-year-old winger has been involved in 20 goals in the Premier League, with a record of eight goals and 12 assists in 55 games and 3484 minutes, averaging a goal contribution every 174 minutes.
Erik ten Hag sold Elanga to Nottingham Forest after bringing in his favorite player, Antony, who has scored and assisted fewer goals than Elanga in the same period. This is not to say that Elanga is superior to Antony, but rather to illustrate how well a player can perform after leaving Manchester United. So why couldn't he achieve the same at United?
At Manchester United, Elanga played 39 Premier League games, mainly under interim manager Ralph Rangnick, with only three goals and three assists in 1791 minutes, contributing to a goal every 298 minutes, far less impressive than his performance at Nottingham Forest. For comparison, Antony, the 100 million euro signing, has five goals and three assists in 59 Premier League games for United, manufacturing a goal every 402 minutes, which is also less efficient than Elanga's time at United.
Ten Hag's decision to replace Elanga with Antony has proven to be a failed transfer strategy. Even in terms of fighting spirit, which some United fans admire, Elanga is at least on par with Antony.
As a product of the Manchester United youth academy, Elanga stays true to his roots. In a recent league match where Nottingham Forest defeated United 3-2 away, Elanga proactively requested to represent his team to pay tribute to the late Manchester United club receptionist, Kay Fipps, by laying flowers.
It should be noted that Elanga was not the captain of Nottingham Forest in that game and did not even make the starting lineup! However, he insisted on doing so and received special approval from the Premier League, which appreciated his sentiment for those who had cared for him in the past, allowing him to participate in the pre-match memorial activities. Moreover, Elanga personally wrote the note attached to the wreath of Nottingham Forest.
After the match, Elanga removed his jersey to reveal the words "Rest in Peace, Kay" on his undershirt, walking around Old Trafford. His actions were applauded by United fans, showing that he is a player with genuine Red Devil spirit, possessing speed, attitude, and the skills of a qualified Premier League player. However, like McTominay and others, he could only reach his full potential after leaving the club, which is undoubtedly regrettable.
Perhaps other Manchester United players should consider following Elanga's example and seek new horizons elsewhere, such as Antony and Rashford. However, their obstacles to transferring are greater, as they earn weekly salaries of 200,000 and 325,000 pounds, ten times more than what Elanga earned back then!