Nottingham Forest are leading 1-0 in the first half. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Manchester United conceded a goal inside five minutes at the City Ground tonight, with the ‘scorer none other than Carrington graduate Anthony Elanga.
It’s just too on the nose, isn’t it? A United team in complete disarray watching a product of their own academy bundling through on the counter before effortlessly slotting the ball past Andre Onana to break the deadlock early doors.
Elanga was sold, albeit pre-INEOS investment, by the club in July 2023 for a mere £15 million fee. In his final season at Old Trafford, he was granted just seven starts in all competitions by Erik ten Hag and a further 19 appearances off the bench, while also being an unused substitute for 23 matches.
Alas, it’s absolutely no surprise that he, too, had set his sights on a move away from United after nine years. He has since gone on to establish himself as something of a fan-favourite in the East Midlands, and it’s no wonder why.
United should be ruing Elanga’s sale
Five goals and nine assists in his maiden season rounded off a stellar term for Elanga, having finally been entrusted to play a key role. He has now outdone his tally in goals as we approach the halfway stage in this evening’s clash after just netting his sixth of the campaign – meaning he could well add more before the full-time whistle blows in Nottingham.
Instantaneously after the Swede’s opener, Forest fans were quick to mock the away support with chants of: “Anthony Elanga, he left ‘cause you’re sh*t.”
In truth, it’s a decision that must be leaving those who sanctioned Elanga’s exit more red-faced with each passing week that he puts in a noticeable performance – which is pretty much every game nowadays.
A win for the hosts would mark their first-ever double over United in the Premier League era.
