Elanga's gratitude for ‘mentor’ Ronaldo
Anthony Elanga has shared his appreciation for the experienced group of Manchester United players he can draw advice from - in particular Cristiano Ronaldo.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with MUTV, the young Sweden international said: “It’s really good [to have Ronaldo as a mentor] because I go to training quite early and see him there.
“If we have had a game the day before, we’ll speak about the game or training. He’s a really good person to have around the building, not just because of what he does on the pitch, but what he does off the pitch as well.
“If we (younger players) need any help we can speak to him, so he’s a really good person to be around.”
Elanga Q&A: It all starts on the training pitch
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Elanga made his international debut for Sweden on Thursday night, coming on in extra time as his home nation overcame the Czech Republic to reach one of the World Cup qualifying play-off finals.
This individual achievement is yet another positive in a thrilling breakthrough season for the 19-year-old, and while the winger singled out Ronaldo’s impact on his game, he feels that being part of an experienced first team has massively benefitted him.
“Everything starts on the training pitch,” he said. “Looking at what the oldest [players] do, taking notes from them.
“Training with them day in, day out, helps me a lot. Not just from the technical side of the game but the tactical side of the game as well, what they do out of possession.
“When I’m in the game I like to talk to the older lads to get advice, so it helps me a lot.”
Anthony added: “A lot of players are consistent and that’s something I want to be as well. [I want to be] consistent and always be disciplined, make sure I put the work in and when I get the opportunity in the game, take it.”
Since the arrival of interim manager Ralf Rangnick at the club, Elanga has established himself in the Reds’ first team, seamlessly adapting to the German's philosophy. And the Swede believes that his smooth transition into the senior squad is testament to United’s academy system.
“In the Academy days you would get the opportunity to train with the first team, see how it is, see the intensity,” he recalled.
“When you are a young lad, doing that is important because then you can go back to the Academy, do what you have learnt from the first team and put it into practice.
“That’s why I feel comfortable [on the pitch] because I get the likes of Bruno [Fernandes] speaking to me every day, and on the pitch as well, which helps calm me down and stay relaxed when I have the ball.”
Elanga also expressed his appreciation for United’s supporters, who have already given him a terrace chant to tune of Rhythm Is A Dancer.
“It’s a dream come true, and I live for moments like this," he said.
“It gives me confidence every time I get on the ball that I’m going to create something. I want to show them and repay the favour.”
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CONGRATS, ANTHONY
In case you missed it, Elanga made his senior debut for Sweden on Thursday night.
The United youngster stepped off the bench during their World Cup qualifying play-off win over Czech Republic at the Friends Arena, where his club team-mate Victor Lindelof captained the team as usual.
Debut✅
— Anthony Elanga (@AnthonyElanga) March 25, 2022
Vinst✅
Ett steg närmare till vårt mål !!🇸🇪 #AE17 @svenskfotboll pic.twitter.com/lti0EzLf7e
🇸🇪🔥@vlindelof 🤝 @AnthonyElanga pic.twitter.com/w4G8gp9ipQ
— Svensk Fotboll (@svenskfotboll) March 25, 2022
Our Swedish Reds 🇸🇪❤️@VLindelof x @AnthonyElanga #MUFC | @SvenskFotboll pic.twitter.com/smzmutk9Uj
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 25, 2022