Anthony Elanga delivered a muted celebration after scoring a magnificent goal as beat on Tuesday. Elanga put Forest in front after just five minutes with a brilliant solo effort.

After a cross was headed away, Elanga picked up the ball in his own half and ran all the way into the penalty area before firing the ball past Andre Onana. It was an outstanding goal from the 22-year-old, who came through United's academy.

Elanga joined United at the age of 12 and went on to make 55 appearances for the first-team before he was sold to Forest for just £15million in 2023. And the winger chose not to celebrate against his former club, simply making a gesture with his hand before getting mobbed by his team-mates.

Elanga's goal ultimately as Forest continued their push for football, with Nuno Espirito Santo's side flying high in third. Speaking to TNT Sports after the game, Elanga said: "It is about attacking the space and getting to the opposite goal as quick as I can.

"I saw the space and I believe I'm one of the fastest players in the league. The finish is something I have been trying to work on. Left foot or right foot, I am quite comfortable with both feet this season.

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

"All you want to do is keep on improving, coming here is about playing and developing. I appreciate Manchester United so much as I learned a lot there. I am enjoying my football and I want to keep on going.

"We have one of the lowest possession in the league, but it has been effective and it is something we have worked on since pre-season. Murillo's block means more than a goal, seeing it on the bench I was like 'wow'."

Elanga also hailed Forest's team spirit, adding: "It started in pre-season, the manager came in December last season and when he came we struggled. He got his ideas across [during pre-season] and we have been able to play different systems.

"Every player can play any position. That togetherness is important and it says it on the pitch."

United boss Ruben Amorim was asked about Elanga ahead of the game and whether the club should have kept him. "It's a different expectation, a different club," Amorim replied.

"So we cannot compare sometimes players in the different contexts, in a different way of playing. You can see Elanga is now playing as a second striker, as a number 10. So sometimes some coaches see something in the player and can help them to be better.

"But again, this is a different club. And you know that the pressure that we have here and sometimes players can adapt or not. So we just try to make decisions on facts, what we see.

"Sometimes we see one thing and then they go to a different club and they can play in a different way. Sometimes you get it right, sometimes you get it wrong."

and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our