Man Utd fans make Elanga prediction after FA Youth Cup exit

Manchester United fans believe Anthony Elanga could be the next youngster to feature for the first team after an impressive showing during the FA Youth Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea.

United travelled to St George’s Park to face the London side and were on the back foot immediately as Chelsea right-back Valentino Livramento threatened to break the deadlock.

The defender hit the bar with a header before Elanga fashioned United’s best chance of the half. The youngster combined with 16-year-old Shola Shoretire and kept the ball in the air with some deft touches before unleashing an acrobatic overhead kick which rattled the crossbar.

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United entered the break on top but Chelsea killed their momentum with the opening goal just minutes after the interval with Bryan Fiabema meeting Livramento’s cross to score.

The Reds couldn’t find an equaliser and missed out on a place in the final but Elanga’s showing left supporters impressed.

With Daniel James struggling, now 32 Premier League matches without a goal, fans believe Elanga could provide United with a new option in the final third this season.

Prior to the game, Elanga admitted United were desperate to win the tournament.

He told the MEN: “You look at the players that have won it before, the likes of Jesse and Pogba. You look where they are right now, so it is a big competition to play in.

“I’m just happy to be a part of it and hopefully we can win this whole thing. It would mean a lot for me, my teammates and everyone around the club. Literally, during lockdown, I was always asking the coaches ‘what’s going to happen with the Youth Cup? What’s going to happen with the Youth Cup?’

“Luckily I’m just happy that we get another chance, another opportunity, to prove ourselves because we’ve earned the right to be where we are right now. I’m just looking forward to it.”