Arya News - Man Utd Eye Surprise Reunion with Anthony Elanga – Is It a Masterstroke or a Mistake?Manchester United’s transfer history has not been shy about looking backwards to move forwards. In recent years...
That rejection sends a clear message: Forest value Elanga highly and won’t entertain cut-price offers. While Caught Offside hints that a bid of “just £42m” could tempt the Midlands club, it’s more likely that any deal would need to exceed the £50m mark—more than triple what United received for him just last year.
This raises a pivotal question for United: is this just another Pogba-like repurchase at an inflated rate, or is it a smart investment in a maturing talent with unfinished business at the Theatre of Dreams?
United’s Recruitment Policy Under Scrutiny
Bringing back a player they once deemed surplus to requirements would continue a curious pattern in United’s recruitment strategy. Jonny Evans’ return was largely viewed as a temporary measure due to injuries, yet he’s provided invaluable experience this term. Pogba’s comeback in 2016 turned into a saga filled with inconsistency, while Ronaldo’s explosive second act ended in controversy.
Elanga’s situation feels different—more about untapped potential than romantic reunions. At just 22, his best years are arguably ahead of him. The Swedish international already possesses the kind of blistering pace and verticality that United’s attack sorely lacks at times.
Could this be the rare case of a young player benefitting from time away, only to return sharper, wiser, and ready to contribute at a higher level?
Premier League Rivals Watching Closely
United aren’t the only ones circling. Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs are all said to be “taking a close look at the attacker,” as per Caught Offside. This could create a bidding war, further complicating United’s pursuit.
Forest will no doubt capitalise on this competition, using it as leverage to drive the price even higher. United’s new footballing hierarchy, still in flux amid changes behind the scenes, will need to weigh up whether sentiment should play any role in such a financially significant decision.
One thing is certain: Elanga’s growth has made people sit up and take notice. Whether United will act decisively—or let another opportunity slip through their fingers—remains to be seen.
Our View – EPL Index Analysis
From a Manchester United fan’s perspective, this potential move provokes a blend of intrigue and hesitation. Elanga was always seen as a talent with pace and purpose, but maybe lacking end product during his first stint at Old Trafford. Now, with 14 Premier League goal contributions this season, he appears to have turned that corner.
United have often been accused of letting young talents go too soon—Michael Keane, Danny Welbeck, and even Wilfried Zaha spring to mind. Bringing Elanga back, especially after he’s demonstrated he can thrive at this level, feels like a potential correction of a past misjudgement.
However, the financial side of the deal can’t be ignored. Paying upwards of £50m for a player they sold for £15m just 12 months ago smacks of poor planning. It begs a deeper question: why wasn’t he given more time at United in the first place, particularly in a season when wingers like Antony and Sancho have underwhelmed?
If Elanga returns and flourishes, United will be seen as shrewd. If he falters, the critics will be quick to lump this in with their long list of recruitment missteps. Either way, fans will be watching closely—and probably hoping sentiment doesn’t trump sense.