Anthony Elanga sparks debate over celebration after scoring sublime goal against Man Utd

ANTHONY ELANGA scored a wondergoal against former club Manchester United as fans hailed it the “goal of the season” – but left viewers divided with his celebration.

The Nottingham Forest star, 22, gave his side the lead within five minutes with an outrageous solo effort.

https://twitter.com/footballontnt/status/1907148686657995193

Rex

Anthony Elanga refused to celebrate wildly, despite the special nature of the goal, merely pointing to the sky[/caption]

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Elanga picked the ball up in his own half, drove up the pitch and poked home[/caption]

As the Midlanders cleared their lines from a corner, Elanga picked the ball up in his own half.

The Swedish international weaved his way through three Man Utd defenders and kept going all the way into United’s box.

He then poked the ball past Andre Onana – whom Forest had “taken the p*** out of in their matchday programme – to give his team the lead.

Elanga, showing respect for the club he joined aged 12, refused to celebrate.

But fans were more than happy to celebrate on his behalf.

One wrote on X: “Elanga just scored the goal of the season against United.”

Another said: “Elanga becomes 2012 Messi.”

A third compared him to Liverpool’s leading man, writing: “Elanga wtf!! That was Salah’s standard.”

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However, some supporters were frustrated with Elanga’s celebration, pointing to the way he was treated by United, as he was shoved out the Old Trafford exit in 2023.

One pointed out: “Elanga celebrate man the deserve the rudest celebration for the way they treated you.”

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Elanga spent 11 years at Man Utd but was sold by Erik ten Hag in 2023[/caption]

But another countered: “Elanga that was some cold celebration.”

Another summarised: “Fair play to Elanga though. Outstanding goal and a very muted celebration. Showing his respect and class.”

Many Man Utd fans were left frustrated by their club’s treatment of the 21-cap international winger.

Elanga had shown great promise and had forced his way into the first-team, making 37 Premier League appearances in his final two seasons.

Yet, despite showing huge potential, Erik ten Hag sold him to Forest for just £15million.

Elanga has gone on to become a key cog in Champions League-chasing Forest’s XI, as well as Sweden, despite their wealth of attacking talent including Alexander Isak and Dejan Kulusevski.

The winger now has six goals and eight assists this season, with his new side third in the table and United enduring a miserable campaign, currently 13th.