Forward Antony Elanga (23, Nottingham Forest) pierced the heart of his former team Manchester United (Man U).
Elanga started in the home game against Manchester United on the 30th round of the 2024-2025 English Premier League (EPL) at the City Ground in Nottingham, England, on the 2nd (Korean time), scoring a goal just 5 minutes into the first half and leading the team to a 1-0 victory.
Elanga grabbed the ball in the defense and charged, taking a left-footed shot inside the opponent's penalty box. The ball landed precisely in the right corner where goalkeeper André Onana could not reach it.
Elanga's goal became the match-winner. With Elanga's performance, Nottingham maintained its position in 3rd place (57 points), moving one step closer to securing a spot in the UEFA Champions League next season, leading 8 points over 4th place Chelsea (49 points).
After scoring against his former team, Elanga didn't celebrate significantly. However, Manchester United recorded their 13th loss of the season (10 wins, 7 draws), remaining in 13th place (37 points), marking the 11th scoreless match of the season.
Notably, Manchester United allowed Nottingham to achieve a double victory for the first time since 1992. They lost both matches against Nottingham in a season for the first time in 33 years.
Elanga, who hails from Sweden, is a product of the Manchester United youth academy. He made his first-team debut in 2021 under manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær at the age of 19. However, his playing time decreased under manager Erik ten Hag due to the signing of strikers.
Elanga transferred from Manchester United to Nottingham last summer in 2023. He signed a 5-year contract, scoring 5 goals and providing 9 assists in 36 league games last season, and he has recorded 6 goals and 8 assists in 30 games this season.
According to 'TNT Sports,' Elanga sprinted 85 meters in 9 seconds and stated after the match, "What I want is to keep improving, and the reason I came here is to grow while playing." He added, "I am enjoying football now, and I want to continue progressing."
He continued, "It is important to utilize space and head toward the opponent's goal as quickly as possible," expressing confidence by saying, "I saw the space, and I believe I am one of the fastest players in the league."
Regarding the goal scene, he said, "Finishing is something I have consistently practiced. Whether it's with my left foot or right foot, I can use both comfortably this season," emphasizing, "I am grateful because I learned a lot at Manchester United."
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