Elanga: It's an unforgettable day for me
Named Man of the Match for his goalscoring performance in Manchester United's 2-1 win against Wolves on Sunday, Anthony Elanga described the last week as 'unforgettable' and admitted he doesn't want the season to end.
The Swedish winger made his debut for the club last week in a home defeat to Leicester City before putting the Reds ahead early on with a powerful header at Molineux.
Speaking to MUTV's Stewart Gardener post-match, Elanga admitted he was flying high after his first senior goal.
"My debut's still not sunk in yet," Elanga said with a smile.
90 in 20: Wolves 1 United 2
Watch the extended highlights from our final match of the 2020/21 Premier League season, away to Wolves...
"The fact I've scored today, that's still not sunk in yet either! It's just an amazing feeling, starting in the Premier League for the club that I've supported since I was young. I'm just so happy."
Elanga wasn't the only Academy graduate to be given an opportunity by the boss against Wolves. The 19-year-old was joined by Shola Shoretire, Hannibal and Will Fish at the end of the game, making it an incredibly youthful side in victory.
"It's a proud day for the club," Elanga said.
"We've been playing with each other in the Under-23s this season but to be playing with each other at the end of the Premier League season is incredible.
"It's a brilliant day. I'm never gonna forget my debut, never mind forget this goal either!"
Elanga had a couple of chances before tje goal and his movement throughout caused problems for Wolves, while his pace and acceleration meant he was a receiver of constant attention from the backline.
He clocked the fastest speed on the pitch (34.95km/h) despite the presence of the notoriously quick Adama Traore and made 24 sprints, more than any other player on the pitch.
Elanga reacts to his sensational first goal
“It has still not sunk in yet – it’s an amazing feeling,” beams Anthony in our post-match interview…
"I think that's my first ever header that I've scored for the club," Elanga laughed.
"I've come back from a big injury. I really don't [want this season to end]. I worked really hard to get where I am today. I've got to keep working hard and let my football do the talking."
Elanga enjoyed a fantastic first half to the season in the Under-23s but injury at the start of 2021 prevented him from training with the first team for a while. With nine goals in 16 Premier League 2 appearances for Neil Wood's side and a string of dominant performances, it was only going to be a matter of time before Ole brought him into the first team set up.
The son of Cameroonian footballer Joseph Elanga, Anthony moved to Manchester from Sweden as a young teenager and was spotted by United scouts soon after.
He may not want this season to an end, but it looks certain that he'll be given more opportunities in pre-season and in the 2021/22 campaign after a good start to life in the first team.