Anthony Elanga says he felt like he was “playing for the sake of playing” at Manchester United and had to leave in order to progress his career.
The 22-year-old scored his first Premier League goal for United on the final day of the 2020/21 season and was given more chances to play next year, first by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and then by interim manager Ralf Rangnick .
Erik ten Hag used Elanga more sparingly after taking over, giving him just 417 minutes of Premier League football compared to the 1,208 he did during the 2021/22 season.
Related to various move away from Old Trafford, Elanga eventually penned a five-year contract at Nottingham Forest, helping the Tricky Trees avoid relegation after returning to the top flight in 2022 after a 23-year absence.
The woods are now riding high in the Premier League under Nuno Espirito Santo, a beauty seated fourth in the tableand much of their success has come from the brilliance of Chris Wood, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Elanga, who has been a direct net in the wing.
Speaking of AthleticsElanga has now admitted that he didn't feel he was really improving as a footballer at Man Utd, which was one of the main reasons why he turned down the chance to join Forest.
“I made the right decision, 100 percent,” reflected Elanga. “I haven't really talked about it, but at that time at United, I was very young and coming into a team that was struggling. Yes, there was the thought that, 'I'm playing for Manchester United'. But I never felt like I was getting better. I was playing for the sake of playing when I got the odd opportunity off the bench.
“Coming to Forest was huge for me because suddenly I was playing 90 minutes regularly, while I had the chance to improve. When I played, I felt like I had purpose; like I was playing and getting better in the process. the biggest difference for me.
“I feel like I know the league inside and out now because I've had the chance to learn. I have no regrets, because I am enjoying playing fantastic football with this team. We're in a really good place right now. “
Elanga also explained forestHis mental determination and determination to succeed – something that has been instilled by Nuno since he took over the managerial reins from Steve Cooper in December 2023.
“We believe. That's our motto: to believe every time we step on the field,” revealed Elanga. “We want to keep this mentality. If we win a game, when we go back to training his message is always the same: it was a good win, well done, but now to the next one.
“That belief has been a key strength for us this season.”