Anthony Elanga Punishes Former Club as Nottingham Forest Stun Manchester United

 

Nottingham Forest secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Manchester United at The City Ground on Tuesday evening with former Red Devils winger Anthony Elanga proving to be the difference. The 22-year-old Swedish international scored the only goal of the game just five minutes into the match, showcasing his incredible pace and composure in front of goal.

Elanga, who left Old Trafford for Forest in a £15 million move in 2023, wasted no time making his mark against his former club. Picking up the ball deep in his own half, he raced past United’s defense covering the length of the pitch before slotting past goalkeeper André Onana to give Forest an early lead. Despite Manchester United’s attempts to respond, they struggled to break down a resilient Nottingham Forest defense leaving Erik ten Hag’s side frustrated at full-time.

Elanga has been a key figure in Forest’s impressive season with six goals and eight assists so far. His impact has been vital in pushing the club towards a potential top-four finish. Meanwhile his former team Manchester United, have endured an inconsistent campaign. With only 37 goals scored this season, United’s attacking struggles have been evident, sparking debates over whether Elanga should have been given more time at Old Trafford.

After the match United’s head coach Ruben Amorim was asked about Elanga’s form and whether the club had made a mistake in letting him leave. The Portuguese manager remained firm in his stance, stating that players must prove themselves at United, not elsewhere.

No. They have to perform at Manchester United. We cannot look at the players that go away they had their chance. You have to look at the players inside United not outside. I’m focused on my team and improving my team.

In his post-match press conference Amorim acknowledged the high-pressure environment at United which can sometimes hinder young players’ development.

We are talking about a lot of players who were at Manchester United who are doing right, but they had the chance here. At United, you don’t have the time. I will not have the time. We have to get it right fast.

Sometimes the pressure playing for Manchester United is really big. If you don’t have a strong base you are not going to help the young players.

Manchester United must now regroup quickly as they prepare for a crucial Manchester derby against City on Sunday afternoon. A defeat in that match could further damage their hopes of securing European qualification.

Meanwhile Nottingham Forest will shift their focus to their next fixture against Aston Villa on Saturday, where they will look to maintain their impressive form and strengthen their push for a top-four finish.

With Elanga continuing to shine at his new club Manchester United fans are left wondering what could have been had he been given more opportunities to develop at Old Trafford.