Rio Ferdinand on the one much-needed quality Anthony Elanga can bring to Manchester United

Rio Ferdinand has praised Anthony Elanga’s intensity and directness, and has been impressed by the performances of the Manchester United youngster in recent weeks.

Elanga came off the bench to score in recent matches against Leeds United and Atletico Madrid, his strike in the latter earning United a vital draw in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.

The Swede was rewarded with a start at the weekend as the Red Devils were held to a goalless draw at home to Watford, although Elanga offered a real threat in the second period with his dribbles from the right wing.

The teenager has only established himself as a regular component of the United first team since the turn of the year, and Ferdinand is hugely impressed with the impact he’s made in just a few months.

“I thought he [Elanga] was our best attacking player against Watford,” said the former United defender, in the latest episode of Vibe with Five podcast. “All the chances United created, he was involved in probably 90% of them.

“Big goal in the week against Atletico, in a big away game in the Champions League; it’s not easy. But what I like about him, and what I see more and more with him, is he plays and runs.

“There’s an intensity to his game. He’s on the move constantly and he causes issues for the opposition defenders.

“At the weekend, a bit more composure in the finishing - you could say the same about Bruno [Fernandes] and Cristiano [Ronaldo] as well - we would have had a few more goals. But Elanga, I think you have to credit him massively.”