Anthony Elanga put in a breathtaking performance as Nottingham Forest secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Manchester United at the City Ground on Tuesday.
The Swedish winger delivered a moment of pure pace and precision, racing the length of the pitch to slot home the game’s only goal in the early stages. His lightning-fast counterattack even drew comparisons to sprinting legend Usain Bolt.
The win solidified Forest’s grip on third place in the Premier League, igniting their aspirations of securing Champions League football next season.
Elanga’s Respectful Response Against His Former Club
Scoring against a former team can be an emotional experience, and while many players choose not to celebrate, Elanga showed particular restraint. Having risen through the ranks at Manchester United, the 22-year-old clearly holds his old club in high regard and kept his reaction muted.
However, teammate Morgan Gibbs-White nearly stirred the pot by gesturing toward the Forest badge in his usual celebratory fashion. Elanga, unfazed, responded with a subtle wink and a calming hand gesture, signaling his desire to keep things respectful.
Elanga’s Standout Performance vs. Manchester United
If Elanga played against United every week, Forest might just have a guaranteed game-changer on their hands. While he has been in fine form this season, his display against his former club was simply electrifying.
His relentless energy and sharp decision-making were a reminder of the talent United once had at their disposal—qualities their current squad could sorely use.
At just 22, Elanga is proving to be one of Forest’s most exciting prospects, and if he continues on this trajectory, his ceiling could be remarkably high.