sport news : Is Anthony Elanga set to be Ole Gunnar ...

sport news : Is Anthony Elanga set to be Ole Gunnar ...
sport news Manchester United: Is Anthony Elanga set to be Ole Gunnar ...

Aaron Wan-Bissaka's cross was a fraction behind him but the body adjustment was sharp and the volleyed finish perfectly executed.

A split-second later, 30,000 Manchester United fans inside Old Trafford were showing their appreciation for Anthony Elanga.

'When it went in I could hear the roar from the fans - it's my first time playing at Old Trafford with the fans - and it felt special,' Elanga said afterwards.

A delighted Anthony Elanga (right) celebrates with a knee slide after a well-taken volley gave Manchester United the lead in their pre-season friendly with Brentford at Old Trafford

A delighted Anthony Elanga (right) celebrates with a knee slide after a well-taken volley gave Manchester United the lead in their pre-season friendly with Brentford at Old Trafford

Elanga adjusted his body well to meet Aaron Wan-Bissaka's cross and execute a nice volley

Elanga adjusted his body well to meet Aaron Wan-Bissaka's cross and execute a nice volley

When it comes to convincing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer not to send him out on loan this season but keep him at United as an ace up the sleeve, Elanga is doing a fine job.

After goals against Queens Park Rangers and now Brentford in pre-season friendlies, adding to the one scored at Wolves on the final day of the Premier League last season, the 19-year-old is hammering on the first-team door.

The talent of the Sweden Under-21 international, who can play on either wing or as a centre forward, isn't in doubt. The question is whether a path to Solskjaer's first team is currently open.

If Marcus Rashford misses the first two months of the season to have shoulder surgery, Elanga could well get his chance. This exciting winger would offer stiff competition for Dan James on the left side of United's attack.

He was certainly more eye-catching than James, who replaced him on 62 minutes, in Wednesday night's 2-2 draw with Brentford, a game littered with stunning goals.

19-year-old Elanga also made an impression from the bench and scored a consolation goal in United's 4-2 defeat to Queens Park Rangers in a friendly last weekend

19-year-old Elanga also made an impression from the bench and scored a consolation goal in United's 4-2 defeat to Queens Park Rangers in a friendly last weekend

United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been impressed, praising Elanga's performances

United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been impressed, praising Elanga's performances

Elanga, who joined United from Swedish club Malmo in 2014, played alongside Mason Greenwood in the under-14 side. Now he has aspirations to soon line up alongside him in the first-team attack.

Solskjaer certainly seemed impressed as he mulled Elanga's next step.

'The boy is electric, has energy and enthusiasm, he's really enjoying himself,' the United boss said.

'He's done himself the world of good. We know he's a good player, we know he's a good lad. He works so hard, he's always smiley, bright, asking what more he needs to do, he's so hungry to improve and get better.

'He can play wide left, wide right, up front… so anywhere along the front line. He's going to be an asset.'

The teenager scored against Wolves on the final day of the Premier League last season

The teenager scored against Wolves on the final day of the Premier League last season

Elanga made his first senior appearance for United in their home loss to Leicester in May

Elanga made his first senior appearance for United in their home loss to Leicester in May

Keen to emphasise Elanga's eagerness to please, Solskjaer added: 'If you ask him at half-time to run over to the cricket ground and get us a drink, he'd do it. That's the type of lad he is.'

Elanga, who won the prestigious Jimmy Murphy

read more from dailymail.....

NEXT Jake Paul, Amanda Serrano in action: Fight card, odds, date, opponents, start time, complete guide