Anthony Elanga Explained

Anthony Elanga
Full Name:Anthony David Junior Elanga[1]
Birth Date:27 April 2002[2]
Birth Place:Malmö, Sweden
Height:1.78 m
Position:Forward, winger
Currentclub:Nottingham Forest
Clubnumber:21
Youthyears1:–2014
Youthclubs1:IF Elfsborg
Youthyears2:2014
Youthclubs2:Malmö FF
Youthyears3:2014
Youthclubs3:Hattersley
Youthyears4:2014–2021
Youthclubs4:Manchester United
Years1:2021–2023
Clubs1:Manchester United
Caps1:39
Goals1:3
Years2:2023–
Clubs2:Nottingham Forest
Caps2:37
Goals2:5
Nationalyears1:2018–2019
Nationalteam1:Sweden U17
Nationalcaps1:5
Nationalgoals1:2
Nationalyears2:2019
Nationalteam2:Sweden U19
Nationalcaps2:3
Nationalgoals2:0
Nationalyears3:2021–
Nationalteam3:Sweden U21
Nationalcaps3:8
Nationalgoals3:7
Nationalyears4:2022–
Nationalteam4:Sweden
Nationalcaps4:17
Nationalgoals4:3
Club-Update:21:58, 17 August 2024 (UTC)
Nationalteam-Update:22:27, 8 June 2024 (UTC)

Anthony David Junior Elanga (born 27 April 2002) is a Swedish professional footballer who plays as a forward or winger for club Nottingham Forest and the Sweden national team.

Elanga joined the Manchester United youth system aged 12 and won the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award in 2020. He made his senior debut for the club in a Premier League game against Leicester City in May 2021. He represented Sweden at under-17, under-19 and under-21 levels, before making his senior national team debut in 2022.

Personal life

Elanga was born in the Hyllie ward of Malmö (now part of Väster), Sweden, when his father Joseph Elanga was playing for Malmö FF. He is fluent in three languages: Swedish, English and French.[3]

Club career

Manchester United

Youth

After playing for IF Elfsborg and Malmö FF in Sweden,[4] Elanga's family moved to England and settled in Manchester. Elanga briefly played for local club Hattersley, and was scouted by both Manchester City and Manchester United before joining United at the age of 12.[5] [6]

Elanga debuted for the Manchester United under-18s at the age of 15 in a 2–1 away defeat to Liverpool in April 2018.[7] He signed as an academy scholar at Manchester United in July 2018,[8] and scored four goals in 22 appearances in his first full season playing for the Under-18s.[9]

The following season, Elanga played twice for the Under-21s in the EFL Trophy, both as a substitute. He finished the COVID-shortened season as the Under-18s' top scorer in the league with seven goals in nine appearances, and won the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award.[10] He played four times for the club's under-21 side in the 2020–21 EFL Trophy, scoring twice.

2020–21 season

Elanga made his first-team debut for United in a pre-season friendly against Aston Villa ahead of the 2020–21 Premier League season; he came on as a substitute for Marcus Rashford in the 75th minute of a 1–0 defeat. After signing a new long-term contract with the club in March 2021,[11] Elanga was called up to the first team for the 2020–21 UEFA Europa League quarter-final matches against Granada in April 2021, but was an unused substitute in both legs, as well as in the second leg of the semi-final against Roma on 6 May. He made his competitive debut for the club on 11 May in a Premier League match against Leicester City.[12] Elanga was replaced by Marcus Rashford in the 66th minute as United lost 2–1.[13]

Elanga started once again, away to Wolverhampton Wanderers on the final day of the league season and scored his first senior Manchester United goal after just 13 minutes.[14]

2021–22 season

Elanga scored his second league goal for Manchester United on 19 January 2022 in a 3–1 away win against Brentford,[15] his first of the season.[16] On 4 February that year, Elanga missed his team's last penalty in a 8–7 shootout against Middlesbrough during their FA Cup tie, knocking Manchester United out of the Cup for the season.[17] On 20 February, in a game against Leeds United, Elanga was hit on the head by an object thrown at him by a spectator. Minutes before the end of the game Elanga scored his second league goal of the season.[18] On 23 February, Elanga scored his first UEFA Champions League goal against Atlético Madrid in the Round of 16 first leg, the final score was 1–1.[19]

Nottingham Forest

On 25 July 2023, it was announced that Elanga had signed a five-year deal with Nottingham Forest for a reported £15 million transfer fee.[20] [21] [22] He scored his first goal in a 1–0 away win against Chelsea on 2 September.[23]

International career

Elanga was eligible to play for Sweden, Cameroon or England at international level.[24] He has represented Sweden at under-17, under-19, under-21 and senior levels.[25]

Elanga played five times for the Sweden under-17 team and scored two goals, both against France in the 2019 UEFA European Under-17 Championship.[25] He played his first game for the Sweden under-21 team and scored one goal in a friendly against Finland on 3 June 2021.[26]

Elanga chose to represent Sweden at a senior level, citing being born and having spent the majority of his life there, as well as the country meaning a lot to him as the reasons behind his decision.[27] He was named in the international squad of Janne Andersson for the World Cup qualifiers against the Czech Republic in March 2022, where he also made his debut as a late-game substitute.[28] [29]

Elanga scored his first goal at senior international level on 5 June 2022 in a 1–2 loss against Norway in a 2022–23 UEFA Nations League B game.[30]

Career statistics

Club

Club!rowspan="2"
SeasonLeagueFA CupEFL CupEuropeOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Manchester United U212019–20————2020
2020–21————4242
Total000000006262
Manchester United2020–21Premier League21000000—21
2021–22Premier League212201031—273
2022–23Premier League160104050—260
Total39330508100554
Nottingham Forest2023–24Premier League3652010——395
2024–25Premier League100000——10
Total3752010——405
Career total7685060816210111

International

[31]

Appearances and goals by national team and year!National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals
Sweden202291
202342
202440
Total173

Scores and results list Sweden's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Elanga goal.

List of international goals scored by Anthony Elanga
No.DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition
15 June 2022Friends Arena, Solna, Sweden1–21–22022–23 UEFA Nations League B
227 March 2023Friends Arena, Solna, Sweden5–05–0UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying
316 June 2023Friends Arena, Solna, Sweden4–14–1Friendly

Honours

Manchester United

2022–23

Individual

2019–20[34]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 2021/22 Premier League squads confirmed . Premier League . 10 September 2021 . 30 September 2021 . 10 September 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210910161814/https://www.premierleague.com/news/2247219 . live .
  2. Web site: Anthony Elanga: Overview . Premier League . 30 September 2021 . 3 June 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220603172350/https://www.premierleague.com/players/49259/Anthony-Elanga/overview . live .
  3. Web site: Fagerlund . Frida . Så blev Anthony Elanga Sveriges nya stjärna – var nära att lämna Manchester United . Aftonbladet . 25 February 2022 . sv . 6 March 2022.
  4. Web site: Elanga efter landslagsdebuten . Elanga after the national team debut .
  5. Web site: Elanga after landslagsdebuten – Svensk fotboll. 24 February 2022. svenskfotboll.se. 5 September 2018 . sv. 9 February 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190209124450/https://www.svenskfotboll.se/nyheter/landslag/2018/9/p16-anthony-elanga/. live.
  6. News: "Otroligt hög nivå – jag har inga ord för det" . Incredibly high level – I have no words for it . aftonbladet.se . Aftonbladet . Swedish . 16 April 2021 . 17 January 2022 . 18 January 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220118182720/https://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/fotboll/a/mBlBKO/otroligt-hog-niva--jag-har-inga-ord-for-det . live .
  7. News: Adam . Marshall . Lessons learned ahead of Liverpool . ManUtd.com . Manchester United . 16 August 2018 . 24 February 2022 . 24 February 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220224153434/https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/u18s-prepare-for-liverpool-as-will-vint-leaves-club . live .
  8. News: Adam . Marshall . United's academy intake for 2018/19 . ManUtd.com . Manchester United . 6 July 2018 . 24 February 2022 . 24 February 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220224153428/https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/man-utd-under-18-intake-for-2018-19-season . live .
  9. News: Adam . Marshall . Elanga learns from tournament experience . ManUtd.com . Manchester United . 20 June 2019 . 24 February 2022 . 24 February 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220224153431/https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/man-united-youngster-anthony-elanga-learns-from-u17s-tournament-with-sweden . live .
  10. News: Adam . Marshall . Elanga wins prestigious Jimmy Murphy award . ManUtd.com . Manchester United . 17 September 2020 . 24 February 2022 . 7 December 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211207131157/https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/anthony-elanga-wins-jimmy-murphy-youth-team-player-of-the-year . live .
  11. News: Elanga signs new United contract . ManUtd.com . Manchester United . 16 March 2021 . 24 February 2022 . 24 February 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220224153428/https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/anthony-elanga-signs-new-long-term-man-utd-contract-march-2021 . live .
  12. News: Liam . Wood . Who is Anthony Elanga? Manchester United youngster in profile as he makes debut vs Leicester City . Manchester Evening News . 11 May 2021 . 11 May 2021 . 11 May 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210511165139/https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/anthony-elanga-man-united-wiki-20573927 . live .
  13. News: Simon . Stone . Man City Premier League champions as Leicester City beat Manchester United . BBC Sport . 11 May 2021 . 26 May 2021 . 19 May 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210519202043/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56990159 . live .
  14. News: Gary . Rose . Wolves 1–2 Manchester United: Nuno Espirito Santo beaten in final game . BBC Sport . 23 May 2021 . 26 May 2021 . 23 May 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210523210828/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57132113 . live .
  15. Web site: Brentford v Man Utd, 2021/22. 19 January 2022. Premier League. 19 January 2022. 14 January 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220114020039/https://www.premierleague.com/match/66503. live.
  16. News: Phil . McNulty . Brentford 1–3 Man Utd: Marcus Rashford gives visitors comfortable win . BBC Sport . 19 January 2022 . 19 January 2022 . 19 January 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220119224430/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/59558239 . live .
  17. News: Simon . Stone . Man Utd stunned by Middlesbrough after FA Cup shootout defeat . BBC Sport . 5 February 2022 . 4 February 2022 . 4 February 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220204233340/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60266339 . live .
  18. Web site: Fältskär . Cesar . Anthony Elanga målskytt mot Leeds i Premier League . Aftonbladet . 20 February 2022 . sv . 21 February 2022 . 17 April 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230417115739/https://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/a/k6LyWA/anthony-elanga-malskytt-mot-leeds-i-premier-league . live .
  19. Web site: Bernstein . Dan . Watch: Elanga scores Man Utd equaliser against Atletico Madrid in Champions League last 16 . Goal.com . 23 February 2022 . 23 February 2022 . 27 April 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220427231024/https://www.goal.com/en-ie/news/watch-elanga-scores-man-utd-equaliser-against-atletico-madrid-in-/blt0718fe1c90c89a25 . live .
  20. Web site: Forest complete signing of Anthony Elanga . Nottingham Forest F.C. . 25 July 2023 . 25 July 2023.
  21. News: Elanga moves to Nottingham Forest . 25 July 2023 . ManUtd.com . Manchester United . 25 July 2023.
  22. News: Anthony Elanga: Nottingham Forest sign Sweden forward from Man Utd . BBC Sport . 25 July 2023 . 25 July 2023.
  23. Mauricio Pochettino Suffers First Chelsea Loss As Nottingham Forest Earn Rare Win At Stamford Bridge. 2 September 2023. 2 September 2023. Sports Illustrated. Robert. Summerscales.
  24. News: Så påverkar Victor Nilsson Lindelöf talangens landslagsval . This is how Victor Nilsson Lindelöf influences the talent's national team choice . aftonbladet.se . sv . 5 June 2021 . 20 January 2022 . 20 January 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220120201740/https://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/fotboll/a/OQ4vrV/sa-paverkar-victor-nilsson-lindelof-talangens-landslagsval . live .
  25. Web site: Anthony Elanga – Spelarstatistik. live. Svensk Fotboll (SvFF). 20 January 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20210118014304/https://www.svenskfotboll.se/spelarfakta/anthony-elanga/a404c4d8-7f12-47a1-b70d-e40d90a43d75/ . 18 January 2021 .
  26. Web site: United-talangens nya succé – slår till för Sverige. www.aftonbladet.se. 3 June 2021 . 13 June 2022. 17 April 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230417115735/https://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/fotboll/a/9OP9kq/elanga-malskytt-i-landslagsdebuten. live.
  27. Web site: Flinck . Johan . Fotbolls-VM: Anthony Elanga: "Därför valde jag Sverige" . Aftonbladet . 22 March 2022 . sv . 6 April 2022 . 17 April 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230417115753/https://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/fotboll/a/Bj1ka0/fotbolls-vm-anthony-elanga-darfor-valde-jag-sverige . live .
  28. Web site: Sveriges trupp till VM-playoff – Anthony Elanga uttagen. Expressen. sv. 16 March 2022. 16 March 2022. 16 March 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220316111346/https://www.expressen.se/sport/fotboll/anthony-elanga-uttagen-i-landslaget-har-ar-sveriges-trupp-till-vm-playoffen/. live.
  29. Web site: Sverige är klart för play-off-final till VM 2022. Vann mot Tjeckien. Expressen. sv. 24 March 2022. 24 March 2022. 24 March 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220324221815/https://www.expressen.se/sport/fotboll/landslaget/sverige-ar-klart-for-play-off-final-till-vm/. live.
  30. Web site: 1–2 förlust mot Norge. 5 June 2022. Svensk Fotboll. 5 June 2022 . sv. 5 June 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220605213023/https://www.svenskfotboll.se/nyheter/landslag/2022/06/1-2-forlust-mot-norge/. live.
  31. Web site: Anthony Elanga. EU-Football.info. 10 June 2024.
  32. News: Manchester City 2–1 Manchester United . Phil . McNulty . BBC Sport . 3 June 2023 . 3 June 2023.
  33. News: Simon . Stone . Villarreal 1–1 Manchester United (11–10 on pens): David de Gea spot kick saved in epic Europa League final shootout . BBC Sport . 26 May 2021 . 26 May 2021 . 7 June 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210607204018/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57224112 . live .
  34. News: Adam . Marshall . Anthony Elanga wins Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year . ManUtd.com . Manchester United . 17 September 2020 . 17 January 2022 . 7 December 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211207131157/https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/anthony-elanga-wins-jimmy-murphy-youth-team-player-of-the-year . live .

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