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Exeter Metropolis left-back and left-winger Demetri Mitchell has claimed Anthony Elanga has the potential to develop into a greater participant than Alejandro Garnacho, suggesting Manchester United made a mistake by promoting the Swedish winger to Nottingham Forest .
The Exeter Metropolis participant posted his opinion on X this morning and hit out at Man United followers who he believes have written off Elanga prematurely, particularly given his younger age.
“The United followers who’re bitter about Elanga make me chortle 'he couldn't do it at United' 'massive fish small pond' The man was 19,” he stated.
“He's 21 now. Hit me up when he turns 25 and let's see who’s taking part in at the next degree than Garnacho or Elanga. Possibly I'll be flawed however I doubt it.”
United followers who’re bitter about Elanga make me chortle 'He couldn't do it at United' The 'massive fish small pond' man was 19 years outdated. He’s now 21 years outdated. Hit me up when he turns 25 and let's see who’s taking part in at the next degree Garnacho or Elanga. Possibly I'll be flawed however I doubt it.
– Demetri Mitchell (@demetrimitche11) 29 February 2024
Whereas the previous United U23 participant had recommended that Elanga would surpass Garnacho professionally after turning 25, his subsequent submit on X confirmed this perception.
He posted, “Unpopular opinion: Potential future Elanga > Garnacho.”
Unpopular opinion:
Future Potential Elanga > Garnacho
– Demetri Mitchell (@demetrimitche11) 29 February 2024
Mitchell's claims got here as United booked a spot within the FA Cup quarter-finals by beating Nottingham Forest 1-0 on the Metropolis Floor final evening. Each Elanga and Garnacho have been included within the beginning lineups of their respective groups.
After an lively begin to the sport, United's efficiency quickly pale. Regardless of having a number of shut scoring probabilities, Eric ten Hag's aspect have been unable to safe a snug victory, needing an 89th-minute aim from Casemiro to defeat the house aspect.
Gamers who have been off form included Garnacho, whose winger struggled to discover a well past the resolute Forest defence. In truth, it appeared as if Antony had truly outwitted Argentina that evening, and got here near scoring with a snapshot that hit the crossbar.
Whereas Elanga additionally struggled, he appeared to create extra probabilities than Garnacho. The 21-year-old delivered two harmful balls to striker Taiwo Awoniyi, who beat United's protection on each events.
In whole, the winger offered three key passes, proving to be Forest's greatest attacking menace on the evening.
Though Ilanga wasn't at his greatest that evening (nor was Garnacho), he has produced some good performances this season. His highlights included scoring the winner in a 1–0 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Arguably, given the poor performances of gamers like Antony and Marcus Rashford, it’s comprehensible for elements of the United fanbase to query whether or not promoting Elanga was the fitting choice.
Elanga himself spoke brazenly about his departure from United and admitted that it was the shortage of sport time that satisfied him the transfer was justified.
However whereas Elanga claimed he holds no grudge in opposition to Ten Hag, he was definitely out for revenge in opposition to United final evening. He admitted in an interview: “For me, it's about exhibiting that I can do it in opposition to any staff. “Particularly developing in opposition to your outdated staff, you wish to present them much more that you are able to do it.”
Whereas Elanga could definitely be proficient, United have a promising gem in Garnacho. Finally, it’ll rely on how properly Ten Hag and United handle the 19-year-old's growth so he can attain his full potential.