In the cutthroat world of football transfers, some decisions stand the test of time—others, not so much. For Manchester United, the tenure of former executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward continues to provoke debate. While his time saw high-profile arrivals like Pogba and Maguire, it also included questionable moves like Sánchez and Di María.
But among the many exits under his watch, one in particular is looking increasingly premature: Anthony Elanga. Once touted as a bright prospect from United’s academy, Elanga was sold in 2023 after being labeled a “disappointment” by some within the club. Fast forward to the present, and he’s outperforming Wolves’ £44 million forward Matheus Cunha—suggesting United may have let go of him too soon.
The Exit: Quiet Departure, Fading Role
Elanga joined United at age 12 and worked his way through the ranks, making his senior debut under Ole Gunnar Solskjær in 2021. Despite showing early promise, including a Champions League goal against Atlético Madrid, he never established himself. With competition from Sancho, Antony, and Garnacho, his minutes became scarce. He ended the 2022–23 season goalless, with just two assists in 26 appearances—mostly from the bench.
Deemed expendable, Elanga was sold to Nottingham Forest for £15 million. The decision, reportedly supported by Woodward as part of a squad overhaul, seemed logical at the time.
What followed was unexpected.
Revival at Forest: A Star Emerges
At Forest, Elanga has thrived in a system that suits him: pace-driven, counter-attacking football. With regular starts and tactical freedom, he’s become a key player. His numbers for 2024/25 speak for themselves:
- 8 goals, 9 assists (all competitions)
- Involved in 40% of Forest’s Premier League goals
- Standout performances against Chelsea, Everton, and Aston Villa
More than stats, his overall game has matured—improved positioning, better decision-making, and consistent defensive effort—all of which were missing in his United days.
Elanga vs. Cunha: The Telling Contrast
Compare that to Wolves’ Matheus Cunha, signed for £44 million to lead their attack. While talented, Cunha has struggled with injuries and inconsistency, posting 6 goals and 5 assists in the league—numbers Elanga has already surpassed.
Despite playing in a team with fewer attacking options and fighting relegation, Elanga has proven more effective and more consistent—at a fraction of Cunha’s cost. The comparison raises questions about talent evaluation and transfer strategies across the Premier League.
United’s Regret?
United needed to trim their bloated squad and prioritize youth. But with Sancho’s exile, Antony’s inconsistency, and Rashford’s poor form, Elanga could have been a valuable squad player. His energy, versatility, and newfound composure might’ve offered much-needed depth on the flanks.
Even club legend Rio Ferdinand hinted at the misstep, saying on his podcast:
“Elanga’s tearing it up at Forest. You’ve got to ask — why didn’t he get the chance to do that at United?”
Woodward’s Legacy Under Scrutiny
Elanga’s success shines a light on broader failures during Woodward’s reign. His transfer strategy often leaned toward big names rather than nurturing internal talent. Talented youth products like James Garner and Angel Gomes were also let go prematurely, and Elanga may now join that list of “what ifs.”
Takeaways for United’s New Era
As Manchester United enters a new phase under INEOS and manager Ruben Amorim, Elanga’s story serves as a timely reminder:
- Trust your academy: Elanga didn’t lack talent—just opportunity.
- Avoid overspending: Internal solutions are often more reliable and economical than external splurges.
- Evaluate fairly: Youth need consistent chances, not just one-off games.
Conclusion: Elanga’s Comeback, United’s Reflection
Once dismissed as a disappointment, Anthony Elanga has emerged as one of Nottingham Forest’s standout players—outperforming a £44m striker in the process. His story highlights the importance of patience, proper development, and belief. For Manchester United, it’s a chance to reflect on past missteps—and a warning not to repeat them.
Sometimes, the solution isn’t in the market. Sometimes, it’s already at your club—just waiting to be trusted
