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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Josh O'Brien

Erik ten Hag ignores Gary Neville's advice in decision on "nightmare" Man Utd star

Erik ten Hag will not be swayed by the opinions of those outside of his Manchester United staff it would seem, as proven by his handling of winger Anthony Elanga.

The young Swede burst onto the scene last season while Ralf Rangnick was at the helm as interim boss, but has seen his Red Devils career stall under Ten Hag this term. So much so, that the United manager is preparing to send Elanga out on loan next season to try and further his development.

Having fallen behind another exciting young prospect in Alejandro Garnacho in the pecking order, Elanga has found first-team football hard to come by this season and started just seven games. As a result, a temporary spell away from Old Trafford has been touted as the best thing for the 20-year-old.

As per The Manchester Evening News, Elanga, alongside Facundo Pellistri, is being lined up to spend next season out on loan. The news may come as a surprise to some, including United legend Gary Neville who has previously waxed lyrical over the wide-forward.

Before Elanga had even made a first-team appearance, Neville claimed he is a "nightmare to play against" and even compared the Sweden international to Arsenal icon Thierry Henry. Elanga made his United debut under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, another huge figure within the club who has spoken glowingly of him.

HAVE YOUR SAY! Should United send Elanga out on loan next season? Comment below

Anthony Elanga is expected to leave Man Utd on loan next season (Getty Images)

"He has enormous potential," Solskjaer said. "He is a lad who wants to learn. Works really hard. Has pace and directness. Right footed but equally as good on his left. Future is bright. I know I can trust him to keep his feet on the ground and make the most of his talent."

To say Elanga has realised the 'enormous potential' Solskjaer claimed he possesses just yet would be disingenuous, but the United academy graduate has plenty of time to turn the tide on his Old Trafford chapter.

Ten Hag discussed his reduced amount of game-time after the win over West Ham last October and admitted he still has high hopes for Elanga in the famous red shirt.

"Last year, he came in for a lot of games and this year, obviously, I would say it's normal to drop down in minutes," the Dutchman told Viaplay Sweden.

"But you can see today he's quite mature and I was happy with his performance. His runs behind were good, he was composed on the ball, his pressing was good. His performance today was good.

"You can see the power lacked a little bit, like when you don't have a run of games. I'm happy to work with him. He has big potential. I think he can have a really good position in world football."

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