Anthony Elanga
Anthony Elanga has scored three goals in 15 appearances in all competitions for Manchester United

The emergence of Anthony Elanga has been a high point in Manchester United's campaign.

The 19-year-old forward is bound to be high on the list of options that the coach will turn to if he needs to make changes.

Elanga scored his second goal in nine appearances in the premier league. His overall top-flight return of three from 11 games is not bad, given he has only completed the full 90 minutes twice.

The emergence of Elanga has provided respite from a series of devastating results, a managerial firing, coaches leaving and players taking to social media to challenge statements their interim boss has made about them.

Fred said that the club has a lack of long term plan and that it is all about the short term goals.

Immediate impact

It would be wrong to give all the credit for the recent development to Rangnick.

The Sweden Under-21 forward was promoted to the first-team squad this season after making his debut last season.

The day after United had beaten Arsenal, the first day in charge by the German was conducted with restricted numbers because of the number of players doing warm-down sessions.

He was impressed enough to check out the player's clips on the internet. It had been thought that Elanga might benefit from a January loan move.

The plan was quickly changed after he was so impressive. The idea of giving the teenager a shock start in the game against Crystal Palace was entertained, but he was introduced from the bench.

He showed me from the very first training session the day before the Crystal Palace game.

He is a very polite boy, he listens to what he should do, and he is trying to put all the effort into his performances.

A breath of fresh air

According to United sources, Elanga's attitude has been perfect. He has not gotten carried away with the recent praise that has come his way.

He is quiet but has been accepted by senior figures within the squad, which tends to be a sign of a talented player, and has developed friendship with fellow youngsters Teden Mengi, Shola Shoretire and Hannibal Mejbri.

Anthony Elanga
Elanga has represented Sweden at Under-21 level

When he moved to Manchester when he was 12 years old, he got local knowledge because his dad played in the 1998 World Cup.

He didn't spend a lot of time at the junior club, but scouts were able to catch on to his talent and he was signed by Manchester United.

United's coaching staff have been impressed with Elanga's ability to contribute within the team structure, either as a starter or off the bench, and his desire to increase his goals output. It is thought that exposure to high-level football will come with more exposure to Sweden.

It is said that Elanga has been a breath of fresh air, something that has been noted by supporters who are desperate for some good news. He was given a new contract in December that will keep him at Old Manchester until 2026.

At the time, Elanga said that his ultimate ambition was to play for Manchester United.

Swapping shirts with Pontus

The player worked hard in the gym to improve his jumping and pace after the interest from the Championship and the Premier League.

The ability to speak four languages, including French and Spanish, is more indicative of a well-rounded individual than this attention to detail.

Anthony Elanga
Elanga scored Manchester United's first goal in their 3-1 win over Brentford in January

He headed to Pontus Jansson to swap shirts after the meeting in London last month and there is still something of the kid about him.

Jansson was a teammate of Elanga's dad at the club. Zlatan Ibrahimovic was a frequent visitor to his home at the start of his first.

Elanga has some growing up to do. He is well placed to navigate the process in a smooth manner, given the changes in status that accompany the transition from promising junior to first-team player at a club the size of United.

With Solskjaer's permanent successor due to be announced in the summer, Elanga's career path could still include a loan option.

The forward is likely to play a big part in United's quest for a top-four place and a place in the playoffs over the next few weeks.

United fans have at least one reason to look back on a difficult season with fond memories.

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