Anthony Elanga
Age: 20
Club: Manchester United
Nationality: Sweden
A shining spark in a lacklustre season for Manchester United, Anthony Elanga delivered when he was called upon.
Thrown into the first team and expected to steady a sinking ship, the Swede ended the season having played 21 matches for the Red Devils, leading him to receive his first international call-up to the Sweden senior national team to partake in the country’s World Cup Qualifiers.
Despite missing a penalty in United’s fourth-round tie to Middlesbrough in the FA Cup, Elanga didn’t bury his head in the sand and was adamant to come back and avenge the loss.
Weeks later, he did exactly that, by providing a crucial comeback goal against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League Round of 16, giving United something positive to take back to Old Trafford.
He quickly became a favourite among United fans, and even commented on the privilege of hearing his chant belted around the faithful Stretford End.
The 20-year-old netted an 88th-minute goal against rivals Leeds United at Elland Road, securing a 4-2 win for his side, and celebrated by shushing the fiery Leeds supporters and pointing to the United badge.
Having shared updates to followers of his brutal pre-season workouts, it’s clear Elanga is going into this season determined to succeed, and ready to prove himself under new manager Erik ten Hag.
Ten Hag is building and implementing a force to be reckoned with in Manchester, and Anthony Elanga is a player that will leave it all on the pitch to take the three points.