Anthony Elanga on what Ralf Rangnick told him to do as he came on for Manchester United against Atletico
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Anthony Elanga showed significant maturity in his post-match interview after scoring a late equaliser for Manchester United against Atletico Madrid in their Champions League Round of 16 first leg tie on Wednesday.
The 19-year-old was a second-half substitute for the Red Devils and slotted past Jan Oblak with 10 minutes of normal time remaining.
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Hide AdElanga has been a useful member of Ralf Rangnick’s squad, especially since the German was appointed on an interim basis in December.
The Swede has made 14 appearances for United this season in all competitions, scoring three times.
Speaking to BT Sport, via SportBible, after the game, Elanga discussed his goal and emphasised the Red Devils need to ‘be ready’ for their second leg clash at Old Trafford on 15 March.
“I think that was my first touch as well,” the United No.36 said.
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Hide Ad“I’ve dreamt of moments like this, scoring in the Champions League in a big occasion like this against a top European team like Atletico Madrid.
“It’s only the first half [first leg], the first half is gone now. The second half is at Old Trafford in a couple of weeks and we’ve got to be ready for that.”
Elanga was later asked about taking his opportunities in which the 19-year-old expressed he wants to repay his manager for playing him.
“Like I told you the last time we spoke at Brentford, I told you how calm and cool I am.
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Hide Ad“Whenever I get an opportunity for the club, I just want to repay the favour to the manager and leave nothing in the tank and give 150 % every single time I step onto that pitch.”
He went on to speak about United’s poor first-half performance and how they ‘stepped up’ once the substitutions were made, as well as the message Rangnick gave him when coming on.
“We didn’t play the best football in the first half,” Elanga said.
“Then in the second half with the substitutions we made, I think we stepped up a bit.
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Hide Ad“He [Rangnick] told me to make the defenders scared and run in behind and when I got an opportunity take it.
“I wanted a good result for the fans because they’ve travelled a long way and hopefully the next leg at Old Trafford will be even better.”