Manchester United youngster Anthony Elanga has signed a new long-term contract that promises to keep him at Old Trafford until 2026.
Elanga has recently returned to the first-team since the arrival of interim manager Ralf Rangnick following an initial breakthrough under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at the end of last season.
The 19-year-old only signed his last contract renewal in March of this year but his status has since changed after making the step up to the first-team squad.
“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,” Elanga told ManUtd.com.
“This is the perfect environment to take the next step, with world-class players and coaches to learn from every day. I am overjoyed that the club has shown such faith in my development, and I want to thank my family and all of the staff for their ongoing support.
“I know that with hard-work and dedication comes opportunity at this special club and I cannot wait to continue my progress here. Glory to God always.”
United football director John Murtough has called Elanga a ‘fantastic example of the type of player that our world-leading youth development system continues to produce.’
A clue as to the teenager’s expected first-team role in the second half of the season recently came when United rejected what would have been a first senior international call-up from Sweden for a training camp and friendly in January.
It is not an official FIFA international window but the Swedish club season finishes in December and so January offers a chance for the national team coaching staff to get together with domestic players or those who are on the fringes at other clubs.
It means they need permission from clubs to call players up, but United refused to release Elanga.
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Source : 90min