2 years ago
Anthony Elanga nearly sets a world record during pre-season exercise at Manchester United.
Anthony Elanga is working hard ahead of the new season, coming within inches of breaking a world record as he prepares for life under Erik ten Hag.
During pre-season training, Anthony Elanga came up just short of a world record.
Last season, the Manchester United youngster had a breakout season, scoring three goals as he continued to get opportunities under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick. Now he wants to cement his place in the first team under new manager Erik ten Hag.
He's working extra hard to achieve this goal. This has included some impressive box jumps, with the Swede setting a new personal best in the process. According to a social media post, he jumped 63 inches, or just over five feet. That is only four inches short of the world record set by American personal trainer Chris Spell, who admitted that such a jump took months of practice.
Elanga made 27 appearances last season, demonstrating a hunger for big games by scoring in a Champions League tie against Atletico Madrid, securing United a much-needed draw. The 20-year-old will face stiff competition at Old Trafford, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming pre-season.
Cristiano Ronaldo plays in the No.9 position, while Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho are interested in the wide positions, both of which Elanga can fill. The player, on the other hand, is looking forward to the challenge, claiming that competition brings out the best in players.
"Competition is healthy, especially in the environment I am in," he told the club's official website. Everyone seems to be pushing each other to be the best version of themselves, and it shows even in training. In a large team like Manchester United, competition is essential. You have to compete with the best if you want to be the best."
Elanga was also quick to make an impression on Rangnick, which he'll be eager to replicate with Ten Hag. "Well, because he is a clear head, because he is a top mentality player," the German coach said of the forward's mentality. I'm confident he can take and complete the next steps, which are also critical for him to take.
"It's not a question of character or mentality for him." I'm pretty sure I knew his name but had never seen him play before whenever I saw him train or play, even in the first training session the night before the Crystal Palace game. 'Who is he?' I asked my coaching staff at the time, Kieran [McKenna] and Darren Fletcher. I've never seen him play before.'
"Since then, he has always been a player who gave his all, where I could always be certain what kind of level, physical level, and mental level, he will invest."
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