Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick believes forward Anthony Elanga is ready to take his game to the next level after being impressed by the youngster.
The German boss is huge fan of Elanga’s mentality, and is tipping the 20-year-old to kick on again when Erik ten Hag takes the reins at Old Trafford this summer.
"He has a clear head, and is a top mentality player," Rangnick told Manchester United’s website.
"I'm sure he can take and make the next steps, which are also important for him to take.
"It's not for him an issue of character or mentality. I'm pretty sure, whenever I saw him train or play, even in the first training session the night before the Crystal Palace game, I knew his name but had never seen him play before.
"So I asked my coaching staff at the time, Kieran [McKenna] and Darren Fletcher: ‘Who is he? I haven’t seen him play before'.
-
Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo during Manchester United training at Carrington ahead of Thursday's Premier League game against Chelsea at Old Trafford. All photos by Getty -
Scott McTominay and Cristiano Ronaldo train at Carrington. -
Juan Mata of Manchester United in action during a first-team training session. -
Hannibal Mejbri and Alvaro Fernandez during Manchester United's training session. -
Scott McTominay and Nemanja Matic during Manchester United's training session. -
Alvaro Fernandez and Hannibal Mejbri at Carrington. -
Jadon Sancho and Charlie Wellens train on Tuesday. -
Hannibal Mejbri and Raphael Varane at Carrington Training Ground.
"Since then, he has always been a player who gave his very best, where I could always be assured what kind of level, physical level and mentality level, he will invest.”
Elanga was handed his debut by former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in May 2021, in the 2-1 defeat to Leicester City.
The Swedish star is one of several talented teenagers who the club are likely to turn to, following injuries to both defender Harry Maguire and forward Jadon Sancho.
Rangnick is prepared to give more United youngsters the chance to impress, but will only do so when the time is right.
The likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Alvaro Fernandez could soon follow in the footsteps of Elanga in gracing the Old Trafford turf.
"It’s important to give those players a debut when it is the right moment for them," Rangnick added.
"I don’t think I would do those players a favour if I brought them into not the right game or right moment. It should be a special moment for them but also the right moment for them, in order to perform."
Arsenal 3-1 Manchester United player ratings
-
ARSENAL RATINGS: Aaron Ramsdale 7 – In one of his strangest performances of the season, Ramsdale looked poor for United’s opening goal, gave the ball away regularly and yet still pulled off three or four elite saves. Reuters -
Nuno Tavares 7 – Was positioned well for the opening goal but struggled with the pace of Elanga all day, and also showed a degree of laziness in giving away the penalty. AFP -
Gabriel Magalhaes 6 – Lost Ronaldo for United’s goal and was a bit suspect over the top but ultimately cut out a string of chances from the visitors. Getty -
Ben White 7 – Consistent with his decision making, great with his timing and an all-around classy defensive performance. AFP -
Cedric Soares 6 – Although he was slow and clumsy in possession, he did manage to disrupt Sancho on several occasions. Action Images -
Granit Xhaka 7 – After a commanding midfield performance with a sloppy yellow card throw in there for good measure, the Swiss star scored an absolute belter to seal the win. AP -
Mohamed Elneny 7 – In the absence of Partey, we saw Elneny thrive with an impressive midfield outing full of assured passing. EPA -
Emile Smith Rowe 5 – Was never really in the game and was frequently boxed out by Rangnick’s men. Reuters -
Martin Odegaard 8 – A Man of the Match display was defined by brilliant passing, strong composure and great imagination in front of goal. AP -
Bukayo Saka 8 – It was another top class showing from Saka as his link-up play was matched by a lovely finish to make it 2-0. Getty -
Eddie Nketiah 7 – Carried the ball really well, forced a few good saves, had great instincts in possession and held it up with ease. AFP -
SUBS: Gabriel Martinelli 6 – Held the ball up well and got around effectively enough given that he wasn’t on the pitch from the start. AFP -
Rob Holding N/A – Was emphatic upon being introduced and cleaned up every available loose ball that came his way. AFP -
Takehiro Tomiyasu N/A – Charged forward at every available opportunity during his brief cameo. AP -
MANCHESTER UNITED RATINGS: David de Gea 7 - Got his hand to the shot before the first goal. Important first half stops. Went the wrong way on Arsenal’s penalty. Conceded nine goals in the last three games, but he’s not the problem. EPA -
Alex Telles 4 - Crazy first half. Didn’t anticipate the ball correctly for Arsenal’s early opener. Overhit a 16th minute cross. Fouled to give a penalty away. Too many mistakes and such mistakes mean United are six points behind fourth with Champions League looking unlikely next season. PA -
Raphael Varane 5 - At fault for the first goal – and another early one as he didn’t clear the ball as it came over before Tavares’ strike. That set the mood for the game. Again. Needs a run in the team where he stays injury free. Getty -
Victor Lindelof 6 - Busy afternoon for the Swede – and for VAR. He wasn’t as bad as those around him, which is where the low bar is with Manchester United right now. Booked. AFP -
Diogo Dalot 5 - Poor defending yet much better attacking. Hit the crossbar and the post. Can be fantastic going forward but maddening when defending. Reuters -
Scott McTominay 6 - Sent a late ball to Ronaldo, which the Portuguese didn’t reach. Won United’s penalty. Away end sang his name after a couple of strong tackles. EPA -
Nemanja Matic 6 - Chosen with McTominay in a midfield Ralf Rangnick hoped would be more solid. Excellent cross for Ronaldo soon after Arsenal’s second which led to United’s only goal. Getty -
Bruno Fernandes 4 - Involved, but with little positive effect. Chipped a ball towards goal after 10. Gave the ball away before Arsenal’s third goal. Struck a penalty against the post. Booked. Bad day. Taken off for Mata. Needs to take his chances – and not just the penalties. Moans too much. Getty -
Anthony Elanga 6 - Lively. Went on long runs in some of United’s better moments, but the end product was weak from his best chance. An effort saw his shot turned around the post. Brought down but no penalty given in second half. AFP -
Jadon Sancho 7 - Troubled Cedric and saw a lot of the ball. Needed to do better against Arsenal’s full-back. Getty -
Cristiano Ronaldo 8 - United’s biggest threat in the first half. Shot over on 19. Scored an excellent goal to make it 1-2 after 34. Had a goal narrowly ruled offside. Booked near the end. PA -
SUBS: Marcus Rashford 5 - On for Matic after 77. At some point he has to find form again, but it’s hard when he’s only coming off the bench when United are losing. Which is most weeks. Reuters -
Jesse Lingard 5 - On for Elanga after 77. He’s counting down on his United career. PA -
Juan Mata 5 - On for Fernandes after 84 and limited impact as United slipped to yet another defeat. EPA
