Anthony Elanga frustrated at lack of playing time at Man United

Manchester United forward Anthony Elanga has opened up on his frustration at a lack of playing time at Old Trafford this season.

The Sweden international has started just five of his 16 Premier League appearances under Erik ten Hag, having fallen way down the pecking order.

Elanga has been reduced to a bit-part role, with Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Alejandro Garnacho all ahead of the Swede in Ten Hag’s squad.

While remaining committed to his boyhood club, the importance of gaining more action under his belt is not lost on the 20-year-old, who insists he will speak to the club about his situation.

“It’s frustrating. It’s important for me to play,” said Elanga (via Fabrizio Romano). 

“I’m focused on United now – then I’ll talk to the club. I like the club, but it’s important for me to play. I spoke to Ten Hag – I know what he wants me to do, and I can only continue to train hard.”

Elanga’s last appearance for United came in the Europa League round of 16 second-leg clash against Real Betis just over a week ago.

However, his last start in all competitions this season came in the 3-0 Carabao Cup quarter-final success over third-tier side Charlton Athletic in January.

Elanga was the subject of interest to Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund who were keen on taking the youngster to Signal Iduna Park in the January transfer window.

However, Ten Hag refused to sanction a deal amid fears of being left light in the attacking department with his side competing in all competitions.

Elanga is currently on international duty with the Swedish national team but was an unused substitute in Friday’s 3-0 defeat to Belgium.

The 2019/20 Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year winner still has plenty of years ahead of him, but warming the bench at the Theatre of Dreams could significantly hamper his development.

The United academy graduate could push for a move away from the club this summer if there is no change to his current situation.