After scoring his 100th goal for Manchester United in the 1-0 victory over West Ham United on Sunday afternoon, the focus was, understandably, on Marcus Rashford. The England international, who is the club's top goalscorer this term, continued his impressive start to the campaign as Erik ten Hag's side secured an important victory.
It was the 25-year-old's seventh goal of the campaign in all competitions, with the England international also registering three assists in his first 15 matches. Following an underwhelming season last term, Rashford is rediscovering his best form and has helped Erik ten Hag's side to fifth in the Premier League and through to the knockout stages of the Europa League.
While Rashford has enjoyed a strong start, his fellow academy graduate Anthony Elanga has struggled to deliver. The signing of Antony this summer, and arrival of Jadon Sancho last year, has somewhat stunted his progression and opportunities, but the Sweden international has been underwhelming so far this season.
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It is important to remember that Elanga, at just 20 years of age, is far from the finished product. Since making his debut for the Reds, he has shown that he has the qualities required to deliver at the top level. However, he is also not considered a youth team player anymore, so the attacker is under more pressure to perform.
This season, the winger has failed to score for United, and has recorded just one assist - which came in the 3-1 victory over Liverpool in August. He is yet to play the full 90 minutes, and just half of his 10 appearances have come from the start. The absence of Antony for the clash against the Hammers provided Elanga with a rare start, with the youngster preferred on the right to Sancho, who is also struggling for form.
However, Elanga - who has registered seven goal contributions in 39 matches for the Reds - failed to take his chance. He was replaced by Scott McTominay in the 61st minute, who slotted in midfield alongside Casemiro and Christian Eriksen. While the Sweden international was not the only one who struggled, he failed to impact the game, and might have to wait a while for his next opportunity in the league.
Elanga looked short on confidence, which is unsurprising given that his last goal for the club came in February. He was dispossessed on four occasions and failed to trouble the goalkeeper with either of his two shots.
In contrast, Rashford, once again, looked incredibly sharp. The 25-year-old was electric on the left wing and combined well with Cristiano Ronaldo, who started up front for the Reds. The Englishman has scored four more goals than five of the next closest United players and looks like the Reds' main source of goals this term.
Should Ten Hag opt to play Ronaldo through the middle, Rashford will start on the left, with Antony still the first-choice on the right. If Ronaldo doesn't start, and Rashford plays as a central striker, Elanga will have to fight for the vacant position on the left wing. Both players are clearly struggling this season, but given Sancho's price tag, he might be the preferred option.
Rashford has looked more effective from the wing, but he has also delivered through the middle. He has shown that he can come through a difficult period and perform well once again. Elanga has to do the same.
With Anthony Martial struggling to get regular game time after suffering with injuries, it is now even more important that United can produce goals from the wing.
Elanga, especially under the management of Ten Hag, has everything needed to succeed at Old Trafford. The attacker has shown glimpses of what he can do, but he has to deliver more consistently. Being able to train and play alongside Rashford, in the form that the England international is in, will be important in his development.
The Swedish forward will get the chance to shine under the Dutchman, it is down to him to prove that he deserves to be on the pitch moving forward.
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