Anthony Elanga Expresses Desire To Play Left Wing Despite Manchester United's Problem

Manchester United winger Anthony Elanga has expressed his desire to play at left wing whilst in an interview with the Swedish press.

The 20-year-old, who burst onto the scene with United this season, is currently away on international duty with the Swedish side.

Elanga, whose national side beat Slovenia 2-0 in group B of the UEFA Nations League earlier this week, made the comments following his countries 2-1 defeat to rivals Norway – courtesy of a brace from Erling Haaland. 

He said: “It [Playing on the left] suits me very well. At United I play a lot on the right, but now I get the chance to play on the left, that is my favourite position.

“I can do more there. I can go both inside on the pitch and also the outside.”

Alamy

This is becoming a greater problem for United, as names such as Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial all also prefer to play off the left, leaving new manager Erik Ten Hag with a selection headache down his left flank and who should adapt to the right side.

However, despite Elanga’s recent admission looking like it could cause selection problems at Old Trafford, the young winger backed up his comments by impressing for his country. 

He was subbed on in the 66th minute for Emil Fosberg, taking his place on the left wing of Sweden’s new 4-3-3 formation, and added a late consolation goal for his side. 

Elanga commented: “I’m happy to have scored but I’m disappointed that we lost, it’s been 17 years since the last time we lost to Norway, so it’s tough to take. We saw how they celebrated with their fans. It was tough to take.”

Despite the poor result, Elanga, who had a successful debut campaign in Red, has reason to be confident going into the next season.

With Martial looking set to depart the club, and with the English duo of Rashford and Sancho struggling to nail down a starting place, United’s number 36 has to opportunity to establish himself by impressing the new manager Erik ten Hag. However, with the competition on the left, he could find adapting to the right an easier chance for minutes under the Dutchman.