Elanga: We needed to give something back

United were triumphant in our final home outing of 2021/22 following a 3-0 victory over Brentford on Monday evening. 

The win saw Elanga and co sign off with three points in front of our supporters, with away trips to Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace remaining at the end of what has been a tough campaign. 

The 20-year-old, who has enjoyed a breakout campaign in the Reds’ senior side, didn’t shy away from that in his post-match interview with MUTV, but was happy that our latest outing was one that the United faithful could cheer about. 

“I feel like we needed that,” the Academy graduate told reporter Stewart Gardner. 

“We needed to give something back to the fans as well because they’ve been supporting us for the whole season, through the good days and bad days. 

“Three goals, clean sheet, rainy Manchester night, it was really good. We needed it.”

Elanga has often been a bright spark for United under Ralf Rangnick and provided the impetus again on a wet evening at Old Trafford, showing blistering pace to chase down a Diogo Dalot through ball before cutting it back on the byline for Bruno Fernandes to fire home the opener in the ninth minute. 

The United youngster was then embraced by Fernandes and his colleagues for his contribution in the goal, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Raphael Varane going on to complete the scoring for the Reds in the second half.

“I feel like every time I make a run, they’re going to find me,” Elanga said of his team-mates.

“Even if they don’t find me, it’s about making that run because you never know. When that ball comes, you have got to be focused. 

“When I got the ball, I knew Bruno was in there, so I just needed to give him a nice little ball in and he thanked me for it at the end!”

 

Elanga's pace does the job 🏃🌬

Bruno Fernandes gives Man Utd an early lead against Brentford! 💪 pic.twitter.com/y4KjM9WIrs

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 2, 2022

On the night, the Swede was named in a starting XI by Rangnick that included Ronaldo, Juan Mata and Nemanja Matic

Elanga says he is continuing to relish learning from experienced team-mates like the aforementioned trio, the latter of which was making his final Old Trafford appearance as a Red on Monday.

“It’s good, not just on the pitch but off the pitch as well,” Anthony explained.

“They speak to me a lot and give me good advice. Not only them three, we’ve got Phil Jones as well who’s hugely, hugely experienced. 

“It’s really good to have them on the pitch, like you say, they give me that confidence, help me feel assured when I’m on the ball and confident. 

“You need people like that in the team, experienced people like that and I’m really enjoying it with them.”