NafisaFrom United Prodigy to Forest Star: Anthony Elanga’s Remarkable JourneyAnthony Elanga’s football career has been a blend of setbacks and triumphs, moments of brilliance punctuated by challenging periods of self-reflection. For the Swedish forward, his time at Manchester United provided a platform to rise but also delivered a critical test of character—one that he has admirably overcome.It was in February 2022 when Elanga experienced perhaps his lowest moment at Old Trafford. In the FA Cup fourth round, Manchester United faced Middlesbrough, and the match went to penalties after a tense draw.
As the pressure mounted, Elanga stepped up, only to send his spot-kick soaring into the Stretford End. Middlesbrough celebrated their victory, and Elanga, visibly distraught, trudged back toward his teammates, his anguish palpable.But amid the disappointment, Cristiano Ronaldo emerged as a figure of reassurance. “He kept speaking to me and telling me, ‘It’s not the end of the world. I’ve missed loads before, and you’ve shown character and professionalism taking one at your age,’” Elanga later recalled. That moment stuck with him, a lesson from one of football’s greatest icons.Ronaldo, who later criticised young players in modern football for their lack of dedication, had nothing but praise for Elanga, whom he mentored at United. “I’ve always been someone who wants to find that extra percentage to improve,” Elanga explained in an interview with The Times. “I tried to take some chapters out of Ronaldo’s book.
”The Ronaldo EffectElanga’s first-team debut for Manchester United came just three months before Ronaldo’s sensational return to the club. Witnessing the Portuguese star’s discipline, training routines, and hunger for success left a lasting impression on the young Swede. “The way he strikes the ball and his movement was amazing—people talk about his goals, but it’s his hunger to get those goals that’s second to none,” Elanga reflected.While Ronaldo’s influence was pivotal, it was under Ralf Rangnick that Elanga truly flourished. The interim manager, who took charge after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking, handed the academy graduate regular opportunities in the 2021/22 season.
Elanga repaid that faith with eight goals and five assists across 37 appearances, emerging as one of the few bright sparks in an otherwise tumultuous campaign for United.One of his standout moments came in the Champions League against Atletico Madrid. Playing at the Metropolitano Stadium, Elanga coolly slotted home an equaliser, silencing the hostile Spanish crowd and earning United a vital draw. That night, the travelling fans serenaded him with a now-famous chant:”Rhythm is a dancer, Anthony Elanga,You won’t stop him if you dare.Came from Scandinavia,To be United’s saviour,Scoring goals from everywhere.”After the game, an elated Elanga said: “I think that was my first touch as well! I’ve dreamt of moments like this.
Whenever I get a chance for the club, I want to repay the manager. I want to be the best player I can be on the pitch.”A Changing Role at UnitedDespite his breakthrough under Rangnick, Elanga found opportunities harder to come by after Erik ten Hag’s arrival in 2022. The Dutchman’s tactical preferences and new signings relegated Elanga to the fringes of the squad, limiting him to just seven starts in Ten Hag’s debut season.Recognising the need for regular football, Elanga made the bold decision to join Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2023. For £15 million, Forest acquired a player eager to prove himself on the Premier League stage. “I feel like this is a big step up for me,” Elanga told the BBC upon his arrival at the City Ground. “It’s the right time for me to come here…
This season we could really show teams who we are and what we’re capable of doing.”Thriving at ForestElanga has quickly become a key figure for Nottingham Forest. His pace, work ethic, and adaptability have impressed both fans and pundits. One notable moment came when Forest defeated Manchester United 2-1 at home, with Elanga providing the assist for Morgan Gibbs-White’s decisive goal.The Swede didn’t shy away from celebrating either, pointing to the Forest badge as he left the pitch—an act that rankled some United supporters.
But Elanga defended his actions: “This game was personal for me because I wanted to show I was capable of performing at the highest level. I am grateful to Forest for bringing me in.”Elanga’s pride in his new club doesn’t mean he has forgotten his roots. His journey from a shy Swedish teenager arriving in Manchester to a Premier League star is one he holds close.A Heartfelt ConnectionOne of the most touching aspects of Elanga’s story is his bond with the coaches who nurtured him at United’s academy.
Neil Harris, who spent 21 years at the club, remembers spotting Elanga’s potential during his first game in Manchester. “He didn’t speak much English and was very quiet, but I used to sing a chant with his name and say they’re going to sing that song for you one day,” Harris told the Manchester Evening News.Even after leaving United, Elanga has stayed in touch with Harris. When Harris lost his job at the club, Elanga sent a video message of support and arranged tickets for him to watch Nottingham Forest play at Anfield.“Anthony came on and played really, really well,” Harris said. “As soon as the game finished, I received a text from him asking if I was still there. He came out, gave me a big hug, and we laughed about old times.
That shows you the kind of person he is.”Lessons Learned and SharedElanga’s time at United taught him invaluable lessons—about resilience, professionalism, and the fine margins of elite football. Reflecting on those experiences, he said: “You’d be silly not to take advice from the players who were there. I always tried to listen and learn as much as I could. If I can bring even one percent of that to Forest, it would be amazing for me.”The Swedish winger has taken those lessons to heart, using them to elevate his game and inspire his teammates. At 22, he remains a work in progress, but his performances for Forest suggest he is on the path to fulfilling his vast potential.A Player Who Never ForgetsElanga’s humility and gratitude are evident in the way he speaks about his journey.
While his career is now flourishing at Nottingham Forest, he remains proud of the foundations built at Manchester United.As Forest prepare for another crucial fixture this weekend, Elanga’s focus is on the present. But his story—a tale of perseverance, mentorship, and self-belief—serves as a reminder of the human side of football, where success is earned through both talent and resilience.And no matter how far he goes, Anthony Elanga will always carry a piece of his Manchester roots with him.
Nafisa
