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Anthony Elanga Shines in Nottingham Forest Victory Over Manchester United
In a remarkable turn of events, Anthony Elanga, a former Manchester United player, left a significant mark in Nottingham Forest’s recent match against his old club. On Tuesday, he demonstrated his speed and skill, leaving both Alejandro Garnacho and Patrick Dorgu behind as he surged from his own half to score a stunning goal.
Elanga’s impressive run, covering approximately 70 yards, culminated in a precise finish from 18 yards out, finding the bottom corner of the net. Despite the significant moment, he chose not to celebrate the goal against a club he had been part of since he was just 12 years old.
The match, which ended in a 1-0 victory for Forest, solidified their position in the Premier League, sitting third, with a substantial 10-point cushion over Newcastle, who currently occupies the sixth spot. Nottingham Forest continues to pursue their ambition of qualifying for the Champions League, and this win brought them one step closer.
Forest’s head coach, Nuno Espirito Santo, expressed his astonishment at Elanga’s extraordinary goal, stating that he had never witnessed anything quite like it. Meanwhile, Ryan Yates, the captain of the team, praised Elanga, calling him a “midfielder’s dream” for his ability to exploit space and transition quickly to the attack.
Elanga reflected on the moment with TNT Sports while holding his man-of-the-match award, emphasizing his strategy of attacking spaces and his confidence in his speed. “I believe I’m one of the fastest players in the league,” he noted. He also mentioned that he has been focusing on improving his finishing, feeling equally comfortable shooting with both feet this season.
His transfer to Nottingham Forest for £15 million in 2023 aimed to reignite his passion for the game. With only four goals in 55 appearances for Manchester United and limited opportunities last season under Erik ten Hag, Elanga felt it was time for a change. The current United manager, Ruben Amorim, acknowledged the challenges young players face at a club with immense pressure to perform quickly, indicating that such an environment does not always allow for player development.
Reflecting on his decision to leave United, Elanga remarked, “I made the right decision, 100%.” He highlighted how his time at United came during a period when the club was struggling, limiting his growth and consistent playing time. At Nottingham Forest, he has benefited from regular minutes on the pitch, allowing him to play with purpose and enhance his skills.
Elanga’s scoring prowess is evident, as he has netted six goals this season along with eight assists, tying him for seventh place in the Premier League assist charts. His speed remains a crucial asset, having spent the highest percentage of his time on the pitch sprinting this season.
As Nottingham Forest heads toward a highly anticipated FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City and approaches the final stretch of the league campaign, Elanga’s contributions continue to play an integral role in their success. Following his decisive goal against Manchester United, his impact on the team is likely to be even more pronounced, as he embraces the opportunities that have come his way at Forest.
As Nuno aptly noted, “He did it by himself. There is no better counter-attack. He is a special player.”
Source
www.bbc.com