Nottingham World takes you through the career of new signing Anthony Elanga, as Forest fans pin their hopes on the young star.
With Anthony Elanga’s transfer to Nottingham Forest from Manchester United confirmed, Nottingham World takes a look at the standout moments from an already jam-packed career for the Swedish international.
Elanga has long been touted as an up-and-coming star, with the player moving from Sweden as a youngster to the UK and ultimately joining the Red Devils.
The Swedish international stayed at the club for nine years, making appearances in the Premier League, Champions League and Europa League - impressing manager Erik Ten Hag in the process.
However, a decline in playing time and Manchester United’s consistent links to elite European strikers pushed the forward away from the club.
Elanga will embark on another chapter in a new red - the red of Nottingham Forest. The 21-year-old described his excitement at joining the club on the Nottingham Forest website.
He said: “It’s a pleasure to be here. It’s a proud moment, not only for me, but for my family as well.
“It’s the perfect next step for me in my career, it’s a big step and I’m really looking forward to playing in front of the Forest fans at The City Ground. I had interest from elsewhere, but for me, Nottingham Forest feels like the perfect place.”
“I’ve been here with United, and from the minute I stepped out for the warm-up, I could hear them from the changing room. It’s a special place, but being here with Forest, I feel like it will be even more special. I’m really ready for the challenge and I just want to embrace everything and get to work.”
What can you expect from Anthony? Considering his achievements so far, great moments may be just around the corner.
1. A European Shining Star
Elanga set the European stage alight as he scored a late equaliser against Atlético Madrid in the last 16 of the 2021-22 Champions League. His burst of speed to break through the Atlético defence and cool head to slide the ball past a world-class Jan Oblak was a testament to the then 19-year-old’s maturity on the big stage.
2. International Breakthroug
On March 24, 2022, Elanga came of the bench to represent Sweden in a 1-0 victory over the Czech Republic at the Friends Arena in Solna. The result put Sweden through to the Qatar World Cup qualifying playoff final, which they lost to Poland. The youngster has represented the colours of blue and yellow 12 times at senior level, scoring three times.
3. Full First team debut
Elanga was given the opportunity to make his mark in May 2021 when he made his full Premier League debut. His impressive showing in a 2-1 loss to Leicester City made the star of tomorrow the star of today. The Swedish international went on to register three goals and three assists in 39 Premier League appearances for the Red Devils
4. Winning the Jim Murphy Young Player Award
In a COVID-shortened season, the Hyllie-born international scored seven goals in nine appearances and was subsequently awarded the prestigious Jim Murphy Young Player of the Year award. The award had previously been won by Manchester United greats such as Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs, along with current stars like Marcus Rashford, putting the youngster in great company.