Football fans have heaped praise on Nottingham Forest star Anthony Elanga after his stunning early winner against Manchester United.
The 22-year-old is in the midst of a brilliant season for third place Forest, with the winger having netted seven goals and added eight assists in the Premier League in 2024-25.
The Sweden star continued his fine form on Tuesday night when he put Forest ahead against United within five minutes following a brilliant run and finish on the counter attack.
Elanga came through the youth ranks at Old Trafford before joining Forest for £15million in the summer of 2023.
And, shortly after his goal at the City Ground, fans from several clubs flooded to X to question whether United would be regretting that decision to sell the Swede.
‘United should sign Elanga….,’ one said, before a further fan added: ‘Elanga the type of player United should be looking at.’
Fans have praised Anthony Elanga after he scored a stunning goal against Manchester United
Elanga’s goal came after a rapid run up the pitch left three United defenders in his wake
The Forest winger joined the club from United back in the summer of 2023 for a £15m fee
Another joked: ‘Man United should sign this Elanga lad…,’ as one other supporter said: ‘This Elanga guy is sooo good we should sign him.’
Meanwhile, an extra fan chimed in with: ‘United should sign Elanga. Would be a great addition to the squad.. Oh wait…,’ before a further fan quipped: ‘Wow United should sign Elanga.’
Elanga’s goal came following a United corner, with the 22-year-old picking up the ball just outside his own penalty area before he burst away from three United defenders and then finished with aplomb past Andre Onana.
TNT Sports later revealed that Elanga – who refused to celebrate his strike – had covered a remarkable 85 metres in nine seconds.
The goal also saw the Swede get his 28th goal contribution since moving to the City Ground. During that same period, no United winger has managed more.
Meanwhile, other fans were quick to pile in on the incredible campaign Elanga is having.
‘Anthony Elanga would be Manchester United’s best winger if he was to sign for Manchester United right now,’ one said.
Another supporter added: ‘HAHAHAHA, ELANGA IS SO GOOD. We should sign him this summer.’
Fans joked United should sign Elanga and hailed the season the 22-year-old is having
Elanga had initially joined United at the age of 12 after his family moved to England and he made his first team debut aged 19 in May 2021.
The winger went onto score four goals in 55 appearances for the Red Devils, but after growing frustrated at a lack of regular opportunities, he moved to the City Ground just under two years ago.
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Speaking to The Times back in February 2024, Elanga had opened up on his exit from Old Trafford.
‘It was difficult [to leave] but it was needed because I wanted to play and I didn’t want to spend another season just playing ten minutes or not playing for ten games,’ he explained.
‘I wanted a fresh start but I knew it wouldn’t be easy leaving a club that I had been at for nine years.
‘Sometimes football is like that, it might not always work somewhere. I had seen what he (Erik ten Hag) did at Ajax (with young players) so I was looking forward to it but I just didn’t get the opportunities.’
Elanga’s early goal ultimately proved to be the difference on Tuesday as Forest held on for a 1-0 win to pick up a vital three points in their battle to qualify for the Champions League.
