Former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy wants to sign Anthony Elanga on loan for PSV Eindhoven.
Elanga has started just seven matches across all competitions for United this season and is growing frustrated with the lack of opportunities. The 20-year-old forward was a regular last season under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick, but has fallen down the pecking order under Erik ten Hag.
He is yet to find the back of the net in 19 appearances and was keen to explore the possibility of a loan move in the January transfer window. That has led PSV boss Van Nistelrooy to contact his former club and enquire about the Sweden international’s availability, according to the Daily Mail.
PSV are short of depth in attacking areas after selling Cody Gakpo to Liverpool at the start of the transfer window. However, Van Nistelrooy's wish is unlikely to be granted, with Ten Hag reluctant to let his players leave on short-term deals. United are still competing on four fronts this season and the Dutchman is keen to ensure he has depth across all positions.
Elanga is behind Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, Bruno Fernandes, Antony and Alejandro Garnacho for a place in Ten Hag’s team. He has not scored for United in nearly a year, since netting the equaliser in a 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid on February 23.
As well as PSV, Elanga has been linked with Everton and Borussia Dortmund. He is not the only young United player hoping for more game time – Uruguayan winger Facundo Pellistri has also pushed for a move after growing agitated with the lack of game time.
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Despite his frustration, Elanga has put on a positive front in public. "There's a lot to come,” he told the United Review earlier this month.“I feel like the second half of the season will be an important one for me and I'm looking forward to showing what I am capable of doing.
“The coaching staff are helping me day in, day out, and I feel they will play a huge part in what I will become in the second half of the season.”
Speaking in October, Ten Hag explained why Elanga has played less football this season after making 29 appearances in 2021/22 – and tipped him for big things in the future.
"He's doing well and he's a young guy. 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,” Ten Hag told Viaplay Sweden.
"I'm happy to work with him. He has big potential. I think he can have a really good position in world football."
Elanga could be involved when Manchester United take on Reading in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Saturday night. United are looking to continue on in another cup competition after beating Nottingham Forest 3-0 in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final on Wednesday.
