Who is Anthony Elanga? Man Utd award winner who Neville called a “nightmare”
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Manchester United youngster Anthony Elanga has followed in the footsteps of Mason Greenwood by winning the prestigious Jimmy Murphy Youth Team Player of the Season award.
Elanga caught the eye with seven goals in just nine games for United’s Under-18s last season, whilst also making eight Under-23s appearances.
After his stunning displays, he was called up to the Under-21s side who thrashed Salford City 6-1 in the EFL Trophy earlier this month.
He scored and put in a man of the match display, leading to Gary Neville branding him a “nightmare to play against” as he watched on as co-commentator.
Neville also likened his impressive goal to Thierry Henry as he bent the ball into the far corner after beating his defender for pace.
(Image: NurPhoto/PA Images)
And United have high hopes for Elanga, who will now aim to emulate the breakthrough of Mason Greenwood, last year’s winner of the award.
Other past winners of the award, named after the legendary former coach and scout who worked at the club from 1946 until the 1970s, include Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Marcus Rashford.
Elanga, 18, was snapped up from Malmo when he was just 14 and linked up with the Red Devils when he turned 16.
(Image: PA)
The Swedish youth international is the son of Joseph Elanga, who played for Cameroon in the 1998 World Cup.
And he is now being tipped for stardom with United’s Under-18s head coach selecting Elanga for their top honour.
Head of the Academy Nick Cox explained to UNited’s official website how he beat the likes of Hannibal Mejbri and Teden Mengi to the accolade.
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“This was really a tough decision, as there were a number of players who had great seasons for the Under-18s,” said Cox.
“This group has worked really hard throughout the year and we could have easily chosen more than one winner.
“Teden Mengi was excellent throughout the FA Youth Cup run and certainly deserves some recognition, but he was mainly part of the Under-23s squad last season, which was important for his development.
(Image: Getty Images)
“However, Anthony deserves this award. He’s an exciting player and scored some great goals for the Under-18s last season.
“There are a number of different factors that came into it when we made our decision, especially at this age group.
“Off the pitch, Anthony is extremely dedicated and always puts in the maximum effort, whether that is in his education, training or recovery work, and that is exactly what we want to see from our young players.
“On the pitch, he has become more consistent, regularly showing his pace, flair and finishing, while also improving his work rate.”
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