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Manchester United supporters have been watching former Academy talents make their way across Europe, often hoping that Old Trafford’s youth will break into first-team prominence.
Anthony Elanga, once part of United’s ranks before moving on, has continued to attract attention with his national team performances and outspoken character.
The pressures of international football, especially during crucial World Cup qualifiers, tend to amplify tensions, and a lot is riding on results for Sweden as their campaign deteriorates.
Experts are now openly criticising the system, calling for accountability at the top, which is always fertile ground for controversy.
And it’s precisely in that atmosphere that a former Red Devil has reportedly voiced his frustrations.
Sweden’s World Cup qualification hopes suffered another bite as they were beaten by Kosovo, and in the aftermath, Anthony Elanga is said to have had an explosive reaction in the players’ tunnel.
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According to Radiosporten, Anthony Elanga was heard declaring: “The damn system must go.”
The meaning behind that isn’t entirely clear, though he emphasised at later point: “We have worked on a system, on how we are going to play.
“Then it may look a little different when you are on the field.
“And it is also us who are on the field who have to take responsibility.”
Sweden sit dead last in their group, with just one point from four matches, putting growing focus on manager Jon Dahl Tomasson.
Radiosporten’s expert Johan Elmander publicly suggested Tomasson should resign, but “JDT” himself insists he will honour his contract and stay.
When asked about Elanga’s remark at the press conference, Tomasson responded: “I haven’t heard what he said so I can’t comment on it.”
Elanga’s history includes a spell at Manchester United’s youth setup before departing for more senior opportunities elsewhere.
Anthony Elanga officially moved to Newcastle United for £55 million from Nottingham Forest.
His roots in the Red Devils system have always marked him as a player with hunger and tenacity.
His current role in Sweden’s squad has been under scrutiny, particularly as coaching decisions and formation choices fail to deliver goals.
The tension between player expectations and tactical rigidity may well be coming to a head.
For United fans who once watched Elanga develop through the youth ranks, his bold tunnel outburst, directed at a system that’s failing, will resonate.