Anthony Elanga shows true colours with Nottingham Forest celebration vs Man United
by Amie Wilson · NottinghamshireLiveAnthony Elanga, a product of Manchester United's academy, scored against his former team in the early stages of the Premier League match with Nottingham Forest.
Forest faced a United side hoping to continue their recent positive streak, but the home side shows early on why they are currently sitting third in the Premier League and impressing many with their performances this season.
Despite United controlling the majority of possession as anticipated, it was Forest who broke the deadlock in just the fifth minute. Elanga retrieved the ball from outside his own penalty area and made a stunning solo run upfield before slotting the ball past Andre Onana and into the net.
The former United youngster appeared ready to celebrate but restrained himself, raising his hand toward the visiting fans before being swarmed by his teammates.
Elanga transferred to Forest from United in the summer of 2023 after spending eight years with the Reds, progressing through their youth ranks.
The 22 year old had 55 first-team appearances for United under his belt, contributing four goals and four assists before relocating to the City Ground.
Since joining Forest, he has become an integral part of Nuno Espirirto Santo's squad. His goal against United marks his sixth in 30 Premier League appearances this season.
His latest goal, arguably one of his finest, drew commendation from co-commentator Ally McCoist.
"That is just magnificent," he expressed during TNT Sports' coverage of the match. "It is absolutely magnificent. I am saying to myself 'he's got to give it to Gibbs-White, he's got to give it to Gibbs-White'.
"He doesn't - shows you what I know. What a finish, what a goal, what a start. "As you say Fletch, as counter-attacks go this won't be beaten. They can't get near him, look at the pace.
"I am thinking 'he must give it him here, he must give it him here'. He doesn't and it's just brilliant. "It really is, Gibbs-White does really well because he gives Mazraoui the problem.
"Mazraoui can't come to him, he holds his position really well and he allows Elanga... look at Mazraoui he can't come across and it's a beautiful finish. "What a goal, what a start. "
McCoist concluded: "He would look great in any team on that form, that was just different class."
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Nottingham Forest are flying high in the Premier League and Reds fans are dreaming of a return to European competition. It has been an outstanding campaign for Nuno Espirito Santo’s men, who are on course for a place in the Champions League next season. And Forest supporters can whet their appetite for a possible return to football’s top tier on the continent with our 48-page special edition celebrating the club’s two European Cup wins.
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