Anthony Elanga reflects on Cristiano Ronaldo influence at United

Former Manchester United forward Anthony Elanga has opened up about sharing the pitch with club icon Cristiano Ronaldo. The Swede rose through the ranks at Old Trafford and broke into the first team under former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Elanga was part of the senior squad when Ronaldo made his fairytale return to the Theatre of Dreams in the summer of 2021. The Swede played alongside the five-time Ballon d’Or winner on 25 occasions, combining for one goal.

The budding partnership was broken in December 2022 when Ronaldo parted ways with the Red Devils under unceremonious circumstances after a fallout with former manager Erik ten Hag. The Dutchman also deemed Elanga surplus to requirements the following summer, and he was sold to Nottingham Forest.

After a decent stay at the City Ground, the Swede moved to Newcastle United last summer. Elanga is currently participating at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he could come up against Ronaldo for the first time in his career. The 24 year old recently sat down with Sweden Herald for a chat, where he discussed a variety of topics, including playing alongside the Portuguese icon.

Anthony Elanga: Club Career Stats

Source: Transfermarkt.

Learning from Ronaldo at United

When asked to choose between Ronaldo and his eternal rival Lionel Messi, Elanga gave a diplomatic response. He said: “You have to enjoy it. I can’t choose Ronaldo or Messi.”

The Swede went on to acknowledge that it was a huge experience to feature in the same World Cup as the legendary duo. He said: “Big. I can learn a lot from them. Especially Ronaldo, who I played with at Manchester United. I learned a lot from him, on and off the pitch. It’s a great honour to have played with him. I just wish he would continue like this.”

Elanga also revealed what he learned from the Portuguese icon during their time together at the Theatre of Dreams, adding: “How he is after training and stuff. How he handles his recovery. Lots of things.”

The former United academy graduate, however, was not sure if he would be playing until 41, stating: “We’ll see. I’m only 24 now. You never know. When I’m 33? You never know.”

How have Elanga and Ronaldo performed at the World Cup?

Ronaldo had a quiet opening game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which Portugal drew 1-1 against Congo. However, the 41 year old came into his own against Uzbekistan in the second group stage tie, scoring a brace to help his nation secure a 5-0 win.

In the process, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner became the first player to score in six World Cups. Meanwhile, Elanga’s two appearances at the mega event have both been off the bench.

After a last-minute cameo in the 5-1 win over Tunisia, Elanga was afforded a longer run against the Netherlands. The Swede did find the back of the net, but it proved to be a mere consolation, as his nation lost the game 5-1.

However, the player’s performance did earn him praise from former United striker and Sweden legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic. When asked about the matter by Sweden Herald, Elanga said: “It means a lot. I’ve had the opportunity to play with him in the national team. When he talks, you listen.”

Final Thoughts

Elanga’s emergence at Old Trafford promised much, but he failed to build on those performances. United fans, however, will remember him fondly for coming off the bench and scoring the equaliser in a 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League Round of 16.

Featured image Alex Pantling via Getty Images

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