Manchester United hints at Anthony Elanga’s plans with the latest decision
Manchester United have blocked Anthony Elanga from joining Sweden’s touring squad in January.
Sweden has gathered a 24-man squad for a tour in Portugal during the new year and coach Janne Andersson wanted to join Elanga.
The national team organizes a January tour on an annual basis when the Swedish league ends in early December and players from Swedish, Danish and Norwegian clubs are usually in the squad.
Elanga, 19, has not made his full debut for Sweden’s national team but has been a prominent place for the U21-year-old this season after making his debut for United in May.
Andersson said last week that the situation at United was “messy” and was still waiting for United to make a final decision on whether Elanga would be released.
Elanga came in for his first appearance of the season on Sunday and started in the middle of the Champions League draw with Young Boys. Andersson sarcastically suggested that it was no coincidence that Elanga started playing when United considered whether he should let him go to Portugal.
“We would have liked to have had Anthony on the January tour,” Andersson said. “At the same time, it is very funny that he has started to get playing time at Manchester United.”
Elanga scored two goals for United during the pre-season but former coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer first took him in the League Cup loss against West Ham late in the second half.
Elanga may be involved more prominently as Anthony Martial is still suffering from a knee injury and United can make sure to make money on Jesse Lingard in the winter transfer window.