Anthony Elanga has signed a new four-and-a-half year contract to stay at Manchester United until June 2026, with option for a further year.
Elanga joined United’s Academy in 2014 aged 12 and has gone on to graduate through the youth ranks and made his Red Devils senior debut in two of Utd’s final three matches of last season, having started in Utd’s 2-1 home loss to Leicester.
The Swedish winger then went on to score in just his second senior appearance as he scored the opening goal in a 2-1 away victory at Wolves on the final day of 2020-21 season.
Elanga has since made three further first-team appearances this season without scoring in the Premier League, Carabao Cup and Champions League.
Speaking about his decision to extend his deal, the now 19 year-old said: “My ultimate ambition has always been to play for Manchester United. The standard is extremely high, but this contract is another important moment in my journey.”
This season though saw a recent change of first-team manager as Ralf Rangnick replaced Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, following a disastrous slump in form under the Norwegian.
Elanga though is upbeat about life at Utd despite the change of manager as he praised his teammates and staff, as he added: “This is the perfect environment to take the next step, with world-class players and coaches to learn from every day.”
Acknowledging the “such faith” of Utd in his development with this new contract, Elanga applauded everyone at the club and his family for their support, yet iterated “that with hard-work and dedication comes opportunity at this special club and I cannot wait to continue my progress here.”
Utd’s Football Director, John Murtough added that Elanga is “a young player that we all really believe in”, after consistently impressing throughout the Academy’s youth ranks and matching every challenge set by his coaches.
Reflecting on Elanga’s qualities as a player, Murtough commented: “Anthony is extremely dedicated; he has the work-rate and attitude to keep improving every day and succeed at Manchester United.
“He is yet another fantastic example of the type of player that our world-leading youth development system continues to produce.”
On the international stage, Elanga has progressed through Sweden’s youth ranks and currently plays for the Under-21 team, having amassed nine goals in 16 appearances across Sweden U17, U19 & U21 teams in total.
Utd will next be in action away to Newcastle United on Monday 27 December in Monday Night Football, with kick-off at St James’ Park confirmed for 8pm GMT.