Topics: Anthony Elanga, Manchester United, Premier League, Nottingham Forest, Erik Ten Hag
Anthony Elanga opened up on why Nottingham Forest's win over former club Manchester United was "personal" to him in a telling post-match interview after Saturday's full-time whistle.
The 21-year-old winger left boyhood club United in the summer transfer window following a frustrating campaign at Old Trafford.
After making an impact under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick, who was a huge fan of the Sweden international, Elanga would struggle for first-team minutes in Erik ten Hag's debut season in charge.
Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford and Antony were all ahead of Elanga in the pecking order. In fact, the Swede made just seven starts in all competitions, as well as 19 substitute appearances.
Advert
It was a difficult period for the pacey winger, who had been a part of United's youth set-up since the age of 12.
And in his post-match interview following Nottingham Forest's 2-1 win on Saturday night, Elanga would open up about his frustrating 2022/23 campaign at Old Trafford.
Speaking to NBC Sports at the City Ground, he would also explain why the game was "personal" for him.
"Last season wasn’t easy for me because I’d play 5-10 mins then I wouldn’t play 10 games then it would be in and out," he told former Liverpool and Blackburn defender Stephen Warnock.
"So... I've just stayed strong you know? I've had my family supporting me when it's been difficult and I've not even been in the squad. This game was personal for me, to prove that I am capable of playing at higher levels."
Elanga added: "I'm just grateful for Nottingham Forest for bringing me in, especially Steve Cooper. Now, he's obviously left and Nuno [Espirito Santo] and his staff have come in and done a tremendous job so far."
Elanga, who penned a five-year contract at Forest after a £15 million fee was agreed, helped Nuno Espirito Santo's side to a crucial win against United.
Second-half goals from Nicolas Dominguez and Morgan Gibbs-White sealed all three points for the home side, and after the full-time whistle, Espirito Santo shared an emotional embrace with Elanga, as seen below.
Gary Neville would later criticise Manchester United's decision to sell the Sweden international.
"You have to question whether he’s better than some of the ones he’s left behind," he told Sky Sports. "The money they’ve spent in wide areas. Sancho was £70-odd million, Antony £90m and Elanga gone."
Thoughts on Elanga's exit from Manchester United? Was it the right call? Let us know.
