Anthony Elanga tells Man Utd he’s chosen ‘perfect next step’ after completing Nott’m Forest move

Nottingham Forest have announced the signing of Anthony Elanga from Man Utd, prompting the attacker to hint at a gametime issue in his farewell statement.

Elanga has signed a five-year contract with Forest after ending his association with Man Utd. Reports have suggested the transfer fee for his signature is £15m. After failing to score at all last season, but only starting five Premier League games, the Sweden international will now be hoping to get his career back on track.

The 21-year-old has provided statements to both his former and new club upon the completion of his transfer. In both messages, he repeated that he is making the ‘perfect next step’ for his career.

First of all, via Instagram, Elanga told Man Utd fans: “Making my debut, playing over 50 times for the first team, scoring in the Champions League and winning a trophy for this incredible club…. If you told me that all of that would happen when I arrived in England at 11 years old I would have been buzzing.

“There are so many players and staff that have played a major role in helping to make those dreams become a reality and supported me into developing into the man that I am today. I will be forever grateful to each and every one of you.

“From the moment that I watched a game from the Stretford End as a young boy I’ve known that United fans are special.

“We’ll always have ‘Rhythm is a dancer’. It meant the world to me and my family every time that we heard that chant. There are not enough words to properly thank you for the unbelievable support.

“It is the right time now for the perfect next step in my career. I’m someone who lives for football and I need to be on the pitch every week doing what I love.

“I’m 100% ready to get started, excited for what comes next and as determined as ever to succeed! Thankyou @manchesterunited ❤️”

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The fact he highlighted his ‘need to be on the pitch every week’ implies that a lack of gametime under Erik ten Hag was one of his motivations for making the move.

Elanga rejects rival interest to seal Forest switch

Now, Elanga is ready to see what he can do for Forest, whose official website he told: “It’s a pleasure to be here. It’s a proud moment, not only for me, but for my family as well.

“It’s the perfect next step for me in my career, it’s a big step and I’m really looking forward to playing in front of the Forest fans at The City Ground.

“I had interest from elsewhere, but for me, Nottingham Forest feels like the perfect place.

“I’ve been here with United, and from the minute I stepped out for the warm-up, I could hear them from the changing room.

“It’s a special place, but being here with Forest, I feel like it will be even more special.

“I’m really ready for the challenge and I just want to embrace everything and get to work.”

There is a chance Elanga could be followed to the City Ground by Dean Henderson, who was already on loan at Forest from Man Utd last season and could extend his stay there for another season.