Erik ten Hag has been firm but fair in his team selections during his first season as Manchester United boss.
By and large, he has given ample opportunity for most of his squad to show their worth. Some have lodged criticism that he has done so too much with certain players, namely Donny van de Beek.
But Ten Hag has also shown his ruthlessness in his determination to keep high standards and ensure the team remains on target. The likes of Jadon Sancho, Harry Maguire, Fred and Scott McTominay have all found this out.
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Once a player drops below the standard required, they are in turn dropped to the bench. Another star to endure limited game time in Anthony Elanga. The Swede enjoyed a breakthrough season last term, which peaked with a Champions League knockout goal and an international call-up.
But he has started just six games under Ten Hag, only two of them coming in the past four months. A combination of factors have been at play including Antony’s arrival, Alejandro Garnacho’s rise and Marcus Rashford’s exciting form.
As a result, he is yet to see out a full 90 minutes this season. January is a time when struggling clubs are looking for a cheap, cost-effective or free reinforcement and in recent years Everton have fallen into that profile.
Last year they took Van de Beek on loan, which ended poorly for both parties when the player was ruled out for a large proportion of his stay with injury. Despite the underwhelming experience, Frank Lampard is looking to try again with Elanga.
The winger featured in both of United’s mid-season friendlies against Cadiz and Real Betis in Spain last month. Lampard can use comments Elanga made during the trip to lure him over to Goodison Park.
“You can’t be thinking too much. When you get the opportunity, take it, and see where that takes you,” the 20-year-old said regarding playing time. Everton would be able to offer consistent minutes that United could not.
Beyond January, Elanga is unlikely to start many games with bench appearances the probability - 10 of his 16 outings under Ten Hag in 2022 came as a substitute. The decision of a loan may in part come down to what he views is best for his development.
Ten Hag has admitted he is aware the likes of Elanga are the subject of interest from Premier League rivals and stayed coy on any exits. He said: "I know we have good players and I know a lot of clubs will have an interest in players who aren’t playing for us so often.
"But we need the squad. We need depth in the squad and especially, I would say, the frontline." It may the case that Elanga isn't the master of his January destiny.
But while Sancho indeed continues training away from the team and Antony nurses the injury that caused him to miss Bournemouth, both will inevitably return.
And so with a view of looking beyond this month, if given the decision, Elanga must decide whether he is happy to play the part of a squad member or explore opportunities for regular game time.
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