Manchester United have made a stunning start to life under the new boss Reuben Amorimavoiding defeat in all three matches he has taken on.
Their last appearance saw a huge 4-0 win over Everton in the Premier Leagueleaving them just four points off a Champions League spot despite the dismal start to the season they have seen Eric ten Haag lose his job
The former Ajax boss was handed his orders following a 2-1 defeat by West Ham United at the end of October, following a run of just three wins in his opening nine league outings.
Ten Hag simply failed during his time at Old Trafford, despite an FA Cup triumph in 2023/24 and the Carabao Cup the previous season – failing to return the club to its glory days.
Such responsibility now falls the way of Amorim, who will be hoping to make the most of the additions the Dutchman made during his time in the North West.
Man Utd’s summer 2023 transfer window
Goalkeeper Andre Onana was transferred from Italian side Inter Milan in the summer of 2023, replacing club legend David de Gea who was he was released at the end of his contract.
Ten Hag gave a real boost to the fact that he wanted a ‘keeper comfortable with the ball at his feet, turning to the Cameroonian after the Dutchman’s previous spell at Ajax.
Since his transfer, the 28-year-old has kept 20 clean setshe wants to continue his excellent form and become a crucial player under the new boss over the next two years.
At the opposite end of the pitch, striker Rasmus Hojlund reached a £72m deal from Italian side Atalanta, with real hope of transforming the Red Devils’ fortunes in the final third.
He had injury problems during his first year in England but still scored overall 16 goals in 43 appearances – finishing as joint top scorer in the league.
The appointment of Amorim seems to have benefited the Dane, scoring twice and notching one assist during his opening three games in charge.
That said, the 39-year-old could have used a player during his time at United had Ten Hag not prematurely offloaded the striker last summer.
The player who has overtaken Rashford since leaving Manchester United
Extreme Anthony Elanga he came through the club’s academy system, before making his first-team breakthrough during the 2020/21 season.
The now 22-year-old won high praise from the then boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaerwith the Norwegian claiming the striker has shades of the legendary Andy Colegiven his change of pace in the final third.
“Marcus Rashford and Anthony Elanga have some of that electric pace that Andy had. But they run a bit more off the ball than him, because I had to do that running for him!”
It would end making 55 appearances for the Red Devils over two seasons, scoring just four times, including against Atletico Madrid in the 2021/22 Champions League.
The Sweden international would only start five games during Ten Haag’s opening campaign in England, leading to his eventual departure, joining Nottingham Forest for a fee of £15 million.
Such a transfer allowed the “hair raising” star, as dubbed by journalist Laurie Whitwell, to become a key member of the first team for the East Midlands outfit, scoring five goals and 11 assists since his departure.
Elanga’s subsequent form has seen him surpass the current United striker Marcus Rashford so far this campaign by many measures, even despite the Englishman’s double against Everton at the weekend.
He has made fewer combined goalscoring contributions in the Premier League to date, but the Forest ace has complete more transfers inside the opposition’s penalty area and more action to create shots, while also trying more crosses – constantly looking for a threat for Nuno EspÃrito Santo’s side.
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How Elanga compares to Rashford in PL (2024/25) |
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|---|---|---|
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Statistics (per 90) |
Field |
Rashford |
|
Games played |
13 |
13 |
|
Goals & Assists |
2 |
5 |
|
Progressive transfers |
3 |
1.9 |
|
Progressive passes |
1.9 |
1.9 |
|
Crosses were attempted |
7.6 |
2.2 |
|
Actions creating shots |
3.6 |
2.3 |
|
Moved to the opposition box |
1.9 |
1.2 |
|
The aerialists won |
1.3 |
0.5 |
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Statistics via FBref |
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As a result of his impressive form at the City Ground, the Swede was the subject to a £50m bid from Newcastle United – highlighting the fact that the Red Devils offloaded him no doubt very cheaply.
His increased playing time has allowed the youngster to continue his development, with Amorim missing out on a huge talent during his time at Old Trafford following the Ten Hag’s decision to part ways with him last summer.
Rashford may be a bigger goal threat, but by metrics so far this season, Elanga looks like the better all-round package going forward.
