Manchester United academy graduate Anthony Elanga returned to haunt his former side as he provided the match-winning assist in Nottingham Forest's win over the Red Devils on Saturday, December 30, 2023. Elanga later claimed he wanted to prove that he is capable of playing at a high level after struggling for game time the season before, much of which he spent wasting on the Manchester United bench. (More Football News)
Clearly emotional at full-time, Elanga passionately embraced his head coach Nuno Espirito Santo, whom he credits for Forest's turnaround in the last few games.
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"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. 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," Elanga told NBC Sports in a TV interview.
"This game was kinda personal for me, to prove that I am capable of playing at higher levels. And 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."
At Manchester United since 2014, Elanga debuted for the senior side in 2020-21 and was part of the squad for the subsequent two seasons. He made 27 appearances in 2021-22, scoring thrice across all competitions, and 26 in 2022-23, albeit most of those from the bench.
Elanga joined Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2023 for 15 million pounds; he has scored four times and provided six assists at the time of writing, returns that place him above his former teammates in terms of productivity.
