Anthony Elanga prediction made by Man Utd team-mate after stunning Champions League goal

Anthony Elanga has been hailed as “the future of Manchester United ” by team-mate Nemanja Matic.

Elanga enhanced his growing reputation by coming off the bench to score a late equaliser to snatch a 1-1 draw at Atletico Madrid in the first leg of United's Champions League last-16 tie.

Winger Elanga, 19, has emerged as one the most exciting prospects at United in his first full season with the first-team and already has three goals to his name this term.

Midfielder Matic, who also came off the bench in Madrid to help United salvage a draw, reckons Elanga has a huge future at Old Trafford and praised the Sweden Under-21 star's down-to-earth attitude.

“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,” said Matic.

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Anthony Elanga is congratulated by Man Utd interim boss Ralf Rangnick after scoring to earn a 1-1 draw at Atletico Madrid. ((Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images))

“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.”

On United's draw in Madrid, which gives them a psychological edge ahead of the return leg at Old Trafford in three weeks' time, Matic said: “We're happy because we scored at the end and we go home with, let’s say, a positive result.

"But we also know that we have to play better football and to control the ball more - and the game.

"There are some things that we have to work on and we have to improve, but to come here at this stadium against a very good side and to draw is not that bad.

“Deep down though, we know in ourselves that we have to play better.”

United goalkeeper David De Gea, who was facing his former club for the first time, said of the return leg: “It’s going to be massive, I can’t wait for the game.

Man Utd midfielder Nemanja Matic has heaped praise on Elanga (Getty Images)

“It’s always a special night when you play in the Champions League at Old Trafford.

“The atmosphere is crazy, it’s unbelievable, and hopefully with the energy of the fans and the intensity that we have, then it will be a good game for us.

“We have to play better and win the game. It was a massive goal and there is everything to play for at Old Trafford.

“For sure we have to improve, and play better to beat Atletico Madrid. So let’s keep improving and be together.”