Former Man Utd trio explain why Anthony Elanga should start against Man City

Former Manchester United trio Wes Brown, David May and Danny Webber think Anthony Elanaga should retain his place in the Red Devils’ starting XI against Manchester City on Sunday.

The game, which kicks-off at 4.30pm, will be the 187th meeting between the two clubs with United looking to get revenge on City after losing 2-0 in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford in November.

Elanaga has featured 15 times for the Red Devils in all competitions this season, scoring three goals.

The forward has been nominated for the club’s February Player of the Month award alongside Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane, and his ‘energy’ is something ex-Red Devils defender Wes Brown thinks has earned Elanga a start on Sunday.

“He’s been absolutely brilliant,” Brown said on United’s The Debate.

“It’s just the energy he brings, he starts it from the front, he tries to run in behind, he’s a player we need at the moment. He puts pressure on defenders, and he has scored some good goals for us as well.

“As a young player, you want him to wish him all the best because you know how hard it can be and he has definitely been a spark for us. He is somebody that we need at the moment.”

Brown’s views have also been shared by former Red Devils defender David May, who believes Elanga is the ‘perfect player’ to play against City.

May said: “I think Anthony has been exceptional. The chance with his first touch of the ball against Atletico, scoring there, was fantastic. He got the goal against Leeds - he could have scored earlier on at Elland Road, but he didn’t panic.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if he played through the middle and I’d like to see him through the middle, whether it’s alongside Ronny [Cristiano Ronaldo] or instead of Ronny to give him a rest.

“I watch how they [Manchester City] play, with such a high line, and I think Elanga is the perfect player to play against them because he doesn’t have to get beyond the shoulders. I think he deserves it. I think he has enthusiasm, he presses high, he loves to score goals and we need somebody right now who can put it in the onion bag.”

Elanga’s pace and ability to get in behind the opposition could cause City problems on Sunday, something ex-United forward Danny Webber believes should earn the Swede a spot in Ralf Rangnick’s starting 11.

“He can play in any of the front three positions,” Webber explained.

“When we’ve had joy against City in recent years, it’s been when we’ve had pace on the break with Marcus, Martial, Jesse, Dan James. It’s always been a problem for City.

“They are that comfortable on the ball, when it breaks down if you don’t offer that threat in behind, then they will just nullify you and keep the game really small for you. Spurs showed it again when Son [Heung-min] was playing and running in behind, causing problems.

“We do need pace. In Elanga’s case, he has to play, I think. He offers that threat in behind and he’s chipping in with goals as well.”