Anthony Elanga became somewhat of a regular for Manchester United under Ralf Rangnick last season, with his highlight coming in Madrid when he scored the equaliser against Atletico in the Champions League with 10 minutes left to play.

This season under Ralf Rangnick, he’s had a much more diminished role, with Antony taking the minutes that would have gone to Elanga last season. Currently on international duty with Sweden, alongside club teammate Victor Lindelof, he has spoken to Aftonbladet after his frustration over a lack of playing time.

It is frustrating. You want to play, it’s important. But whether you play or not, it’s up to the coach not me. I have spoken to Erik and it is private between the two of us. I know what he wants me to do and I just keep training hard. When the opportunity comes, I just have to be ready to take it. 

We have a lot of conversations, not only about [the lack of game time] but also what is happening around. That’s the good thing about the club, we talk a lot and they help me a lot.

There had been rumours that Elanga would leave the club on loan in the January transfer window but Ten Hag wanted to keep him in the squad ahead of a congested fixture list. Elanga has revealed he is now just focussing on the season ahead, playing for the club he loves.

There was talk about it, but right now I’m focusing on United. We still have a big season ahead of us and need to finish as well as possible. That was in January, I can’t focus on that now. The best thing I can do is focus on the rest of the season [with United] and then I will get to talk to the club. I love the club, but it’s important for me to play. I’m still young. We have spoken to the club and they know what is required and I know what is required.