Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic has said that Anthony Elanga is "the future" of the Red Devils.

The 19-year-old has worked his way into the first-team picture at the club since Ralf Rangnick's arrival as head coach, and he came off the bench to score against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday, as the English giants secured a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their last-16 tie.

Matic has lavished praise on the teenager for his conduct off the field and has also said that he is the type of player that will be part of the club's "future".

"For a very young player to come here and score against Atletico Madrid he will remember this moment forever for sure and he deserved that," Matic told MUTV.

"He's working very hard, he's a very, very nice kid I have to say – very polite, respectful and I think he's the future of our club."

Elanga has scored twice in nine Premier League appearances for the Red Devils during the 2021-22 campaign, including a goal against Leeds United at Elland Road on Sunday.