It’s February 23, 2022 and Antony Elanga has simply introduced himself on the European stage.
A late Champions League leveller towards Atletico Madrid from the teenager Swede places Manchester United within the driving seat of their round-of-16 tie. It ought to have been his popping out occasion.
But a matter of months later one more promising academy product is pushed down the pecking order because the umpteenth huge cash signing of the final decade arrives at Old Trafford.
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Correct me if I’m incorrect, however Antony can solely have dreamt of scoring as vital a objective in his 18 months with the Red Devils thus far. In reality, this season he can solely have dreamt of scoring a objective full cease.
While he is 20 video games with out a contribution in entrance of objective throughout all competitions, Elanga has 4 objectives and 5 assists for a Forest aspect that had been solely headed in a single course underneath Steve Cooper.
And sure, stats are relied upon all too typically within the digital day and age of soccer, granted. But Antony hasn’t bought a complete lot else going for him.
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(Image: Manchester United through Getty Images)
His egocentric methods would not be a problem in the event that they resulted in one thing tangible. Just six passes to struggling striker Rasmus Hojlund of their first 5 league video games collectively is inexcusable.
Elanga discovered Chris Wood extra occasions than that in a single recreation as their tag teaming tore aside Newcastle on Boxing Day. Some say he is now discovered his stage within the backside half of the Prem.
And you do must issue within the unenviable weight of taking part in for United. Like many who enter contemporary confronted on the Theatre of Dreams, Antony appears to be like to have had the life sucked out of him since.
(Image: AFP through Getty Images)
His off-the-field points will not have helped both. Elanga, then again, is taking part in like a person who has been free of the shackles.
The reality of the matter is, Antony ought to by no means have been introduced within the first place. And particularly not for the absurd charge rising as much as £85million.
It’s endemic of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson chapter within the storied historical past of United. Buy huge, promote shamefully low – with 21-year-old, fully-fledged worldwide Elanga going for simply £15m.
It was Erik ten Hag’s name although to herald his personal man and depart Elanga no possibility however to depart. And whereas there’s already little doubt he made a mistake, a giant slap of a reminder might land proper in his face on the City Ground tonight.