“That sets him apart”: Former United coach Van der Gaag waxes lyrical over star Ten Hag surprisingly sold

Former Manchester United attacker Anthony Elanga has had a steady start to life at Newcastle United-

United career

The Swede joined United as a 12-year-old from Sweden.

He debuted as a 15-year-old for the under-18s against Liverpool in 2018.

Elanga made his first team debut in the 2020-2021 season and would end up playing 55 times for United, scoring four goals.

Career after United

The rapid Swede was surprisingly sold by Erik ten Hag in the summer of 2023 to Nottingham Forest.

He would really break out for the Tricky Trees, scoring 11 goals in 82 appearances.

Elanga sealed a big money move to Newcastle United in the summer and has so far played 10 times for the Magpies.

Mitchel van der Gaag praise

Former Manchester United assistant coach, Van der Gaag has given an interview praising the former United starlet.

Speaking to Blick the coach spoke glowingly of the winger.

Commenting on their time together he stated, “I got to know him as a young, eager-to-learn, and team-oriented player.”

He elaborated, Elanga “was always willing to listen to the coaches and improve. Anthony’s greatest strength is his pace, his speed. That sets him apart from other players.”

Van der Gaag was also insistent that Elanga is much more than a speed demon, however.

The Dutchman asserted, “he combines his speed very well with his technical skills. Since establishing himself in England, he’s played with the appropriate confidence.”

Surprising sale

With United’s then assistant such an obvious fan of the player, it begs the question why the young Swede was actually sold in the first place.

Whilst not playing a central role as he did under Ralf Rangnick, he still played 26 times for the Red Devils in his final year at the club in 2023 but was still moved on during that summer.

–

The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social