The problems keep increasing for new Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag ahead of the January transfer window.
It was supposed to be a relatively quiet period with the focus mainly on bringing in a back-up right back to reduce the load on Diogo Dalot.
But following the acrimonious departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, the focus has firmly shifted to bringing in a goal-scoring forward.
Elanga has not enjoyed same success under Ten Hag
One player whose game-time has been vastly reduced following the Dutchman’s arrival, is Anthony Elanga.
Once a regular under interim boss Ralf Rangnick, Elanga finds himself mostly on the bench under Ten Hag.
The former Ajax manager has been fair in his reflections having played him both on the right and his preferred left flank. And the Swede has hardly impressed from both.
Get Facundo Pellistri ON and Loan out Anthony Elanga. Good back-up for Antony Matheus Dos Santos. He’s too fast and sharp with the ball! pic.twitter.com/THPFoEALEQ
— Chepkendiot MK (@ChepkendiotMK) November 29, 2022
Even during the recently-concluded Spain friendlies, the Sweden international was one of the worst performers and many have rightly suggested that Elanga needs a loan move.
The 20-year-old was heavily linked with a loan move to Everton in the summer but that never materialised after Ten Hag’s lack of right wingers.
Elanga needs more minutes
But now with Antony there and Facundo Pellistri‘s World Cup displays, the Dutchman might be tempted to look at alternative options as the back-up right winger.
According to the Daily Mail, the United academy graduate “is also in demand”. And that might indicate the Blues’ interest in the winger once again.
In case United do end up signing Ten Hag’s preferred target in Cody Gakpo, that might push Elanga further down the attacking pecking order.
In terms of garnering minutes, a loan move makes the most sense for Elanga’s burgeoning career. It remains to be seen whether the Dutch boss allows this to happen in January.
