Transfer Centre

Anthony Elanga future 'depends on Manchester United signing replacement'

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 15 January 2023

Anthony Elanga future 'depends on Man United signing replacement'

Everton-linked Anthony Elanga could supposedly be allowed to leave Manchester United in January if the Red Devils can sign a replacement.

The future of Manchester United attacker Anthony Elanga reportedly hinges on whether the Red Devils can sign a new wide attacker this month.

The Sweden international has struggled to make much of an impact under Erik ten Hag thus far, setting up just one goal in 18 appearances across all tournaments this season.

Elanga was an unused substitute in Man United's final four Europa League group-stage games, and he has only made the first XI on five occasions in the Premier League this term.

Antony, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho have often been preferred out wide to Elanga, who watched on from the bench as the Red Devils beat Manchester City 2-1 in Saturday's derby.

Even with Jadon Sancho currently absent as he undergoes an individual programme, Elanga has failed to force his way up the pecking order, and he is being tipped to leave in the near future.

Anthony Elanga celebrates scoring for Manchester United on February 20, 2022 © Reuters

Elanga's contract with Man United does not expire until 2026, with the Swede penning an extension in December 2021, but Everton are said to be weighing up a winter approach.

According to journalist Alex Crook, Everton are "very keen" on signing Elanga, who was also a target for Bournemouth during the summer transfer window.

However, Ten Hag may be reluctant to let Elanga leave the club unless the Red Devils can bring in a new winger in the time that remains during the winter market.

"I know there's interest in Elanga. Bournemouth were close to signing him in the summer," the talkSPORT journalist told GiveMeSport.

"I think Everton are very keen as well, but that would depend, I think, on United bringing in a sort of Memphis Depay to bolster numbers because, at the moment, he's still coming on towards the end of games and still playing his part in the team."

Everton manager Frank Lampard reacts on January 6, 2023 © Reuters

A former product of Malmo's academy, Elanga joined Man United's youth ranks in the summer of 2015, and he has since scored four goals and three assists in 47 senior games for the Red Devils.

Man United have already bolstered their attacking ranks with the loan signing of Wout Weghorst this month, with the Burnley man arriving as a short-term replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ten Hag's side are not expected to spend a significant amount in January, but a move for Barcelona's Depay - who is out of contract in the summer - is still being strongly mooted.

The Dutchman is supposedly poised to leave the Catalan giants during the winter window, but Atletico Madrid are currently leading the race to sign the ex-Man United starlet.

Depay spent one-and-a-half years at Old Trafford between 2015 and 2017, and he registered seven goals and six assists in 53 games before leaving for Lyon.