Man Utd youngster tipped for more action after being a "breath of fresh air" in pre-season - The Mirror

EXCLUSIVE: Man Utd youngster Anthony Elanga has found the net on several occasions in pre-season as he targets a spot in the first team with Dennis Irwin backing the teenager

Manchester United youngster Anthony Elanga has been hailed as a "breath of fresh air" in pre-season by Dennis Irwin, who believes first team opportunities could be coming his way.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has continued to give youth a chance during his tenure at Old Trafford.

Mason Greenwood has been the biggest success story of their academy so far, but Elanga could now follow suit.

The 19-year-old was handed a first team start on last season's final day at Wolves and took just 13 minutes to find the net.

Irwin has long had his eye on Elanga, having seen him play some years ago, and although there is plenty of competition for places at Old Trafford, has backed him to be involved more often if he's patient.

The Irishman, who was talking on behalf of Ecolab, Manchester United ’s new hygiene and disease prevention partner, said: "We've got a great tradition of young lads coming through. I watched the U23s during the week and Shoretire is a talented footballer.

"I've got to say Elanga, he's looked pretty impressive. I watched him against Chelsea in the youth cup probably two years ago and I thought he was our stand out player. "You fast forward, he came in and played against Wolves last year, scored a centre-forward's goal with his head and I thought he's been a breath of fresh air in pre-season.

"So he's got a taste of it, there's huge competition so I don't know how much of an involvement he'll have this season, but no doubt he'll play in League Cups. "He might just have to bide his time but I'm sure we'll see him more and more."

Elanga bagged goals in pre-season games against QPR and Brentford, which will do his chances no harm.

Solskjaer has already talked up the teenager's chances this term claiming a loan move may not be on the cards.

"It would be easy to say the boy should go on loan, but he's doing so well," said the United boss. "He's electric, his pace, his skill, he's not afraid of anything and he's got the courage and the bravery of a Man United player

"I wouldn't be surprised if he was staying here. It depends, we know it's important for him to develop and get game-time, at the moment he's one of them we've not really decided on.

"If he keeps on like he is I might want to keep him."

Ecolab is a global leader in water, hygiene and infection prevention services, providing hospital disinfection and cleaning solutions for Old Trafford. 1770 hand hygiene stations will be available for fans this season. Please more find information on the Ecolab Manchester United site #CleanMatters