Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has dismissed claims that the club made a mistake by selling Anthony Elanga to Nottingham Forest.
Elanga, 22, scored a spectacular winner against his former team on Tuesday night, as Forest handed United their 13th Premier League defeat of the season.
Picking up the ball just outside his own penalty area, Elanga sprinted up the pitch before calmly slotting past Andre Onana. Despite the stunning solo effort, he chose not to celebrate his fifth-minute goal.
The Swedish winger, who rose through United’s youth ranks before securing a £15 million move to Forest in the summer of 2023, has been enjoying an impressive campaign. With seven goals and eight assists in the top flight, he has been one of the standout performers for his team.
Following his match-winning display at the City Ground, Amorim was asked whether United had erred in offloading the 22-year-old.
“We are talking about a lot of front players for Manchester United that are doing right, but they had the chance here,” the Portuguese manager responded.
Elanga has now contributed to 28 goals across two seasons with Forest—a tally that surpasses any wide player at United during the same period.
Meanwhile, the likes of Antony, Marcus Rashford, and Jadon Sancho have struggled to make an impact at Old Trafford. The trio, all of whom have been loaned out, have failed to live up to expectations, yet Amorim remained firm in his stance.
“You are not talking about players that didn’t play for Manchester United,” he added. “They were here playing for Manchester United.
“The pressure here is immense, and sometimes young players don’t get the time they need to develop. To nurture these kids, you need a strong foundation, and if that is missing, we won’t be able to help them.
“They had their opportunities, but sometimes football works that way. The pressure of playing for Manchester United is massive.”
Elanga initially joined United at the age of 12 after moving to England from Sweden with his family. He made his first-team debut at 19 in May 2021 but struggled for consistent game time, scoring just four goals in 55 appearances.
Frustrated by a lack of regular opportunities, he opted for a move to the City Ground nearly two years ago.
In an interview with The Times in February 2024, Elanga reflected on his decision to leave Old Trafford.
“It was difficult [to leave] but necessary because I wanted to play. I didn’t want another season of getting just 10 minutes or sitting out for 10 games,” he explained.
“I needed a fresh start, but leaving a club I had been at for nine years wasn’t easy.
“Sometimes football is like that—things don’t always work out. I had seen what Erik ten Hag did at Ajax with young players, so I was hopeful. But I just didn’t get the opportunities.”
After his goal—which TNT Sports revealed covered an astonishing 85 meters in just nine seconds—Elanga shared his thoughts on his performance.
“It’s about attacking the space and getting to the goal as quickly as possible. I saw the space and, to be honest, I believe I’m one of the fastest players in the league.
“I have huge appreciation for Manchester United because I learned a lot there.”
Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo praised the winger’s remarkable speed and technique.
“85 meters with the ball,” Nuno remarked. “Imagine without the ball!
“It was a special moment. He has the ability to drive forward at pace while maintaining control of the ball. That takes an immense amount of skill.”
The victory cemented Forest’s position in third place in the Premier League, putting them in prime contention to qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the first time since the 1980-81 season.
Meanwhile, United languish in 13th place, trailing the top four by 12 points. Their struggles in front of goal continue, having now failed to score in a league match for the 11th time this season.
