Erik ten Hag explains new role for Manchester United’s flop after issuing punishment for €100m player

Erik ten Hag explains new role for Manchester United’s flop after issuing punishment for €100m player –

Erik ten Hag has reassured Anthony Elanga about his lack of game time this season and insists the youngster will have a bright future at Manchester United.

Elanga made his fifth start of the season in United’s win over West Ham at the weekend having been selected on the right wing in the place of the injured Antony.

The 20-year-old impressed with his movement in the final third though his end product was a little rusty, something Ten Hag puts down to his limited game time this season.

Elanga was the breakthrough youngster of last season but has only played 367 minutes of football this season across eight appearances under the new manager.

Speaking after the win, Ten Hag praised Elanga for his performance and explained why he thinks the youngster will go on to have a very bright future in the game.

“He’s doing well and he’s a young guy,” Ten Hag told Viaplay Sweden . “Last year, he came in for a lot of games and this year, obviously, I would say it’s normal to drop down in minutes.

“But you can see today he’s quite mature and I was happy with his performance. His runs behind were good, he was composed on the ball, his pressing was good. His performance today was good. You can see the power lacked a little bit, like when you don’t have a run of games.

“I’m happy to work with him. He has big potential. I think he can have a really good position in world football.”

When further pressed on whether or not the Swedish youngster could have a bright future in the game, he replied: “I am definitely sure because he is a great kid to work with. Always positive and I think his brightness, his positive attitude and by working hard, he has the capabilities so now we have to improve that.”