Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga famously scored a winning goal for Manchester United against Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano Stadium.
In 2025, however, it’s Forest who are now dreaming of the Champions League.
Elanga’s goal against his former club just six minutes into last night’s 1-0 win over the Red Devils has Forest’s dream quickly becoming a reality, with the club now on the brink of something truly special.
Forest have some injuries to contend with at the business stage of the season. Ola Aina limped out of the action in the 39th minute, with Callum Hudson-Odoi and Chris Wood also missing.
This performance was all about Elanga though, and he showcased his quality to his former club on a famous City Ground night.
Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images
Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images
Rio Ferdinand makes Anthony Elanga prediction
Elanga stuck United to the sword last night with a wonderful solo goal and Ferdinand was impressed with his efforts.
TNT Sports had the job of awarding Elanga the Player of the Match accolade – and Ferdinand admitted his surprise at something the winger said.
Elanga claimed this was his first Player of the Match accolade when Ferdinand asked, ‘how many is that now?’, when presenting him the trophy.
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When the Forest man said it was his first, Ferdinand simply made a prediction for the future and claimed: “Really? Well, it’s the first of many.”
Elanga has now topped his goal contribution numbers from last season and at 22-years-old, it’s scary what he can achieve in the game.
Anthony Elanga stats vs Manchester United
Elanga was just superb against his former club and when he was talking to TNT Sports, the smile was etched all over his face.
The winger is in fine form at the moment and last night, he stepped up for a game in which Hudson-Odoi – his partner in crime on the flanks – wasn’t available.
Anthony Elanga stats vs Manchester United Total
Minutes 85
Goals 1
Dribbles 6
Who Scored Rating 8.12
Football in the modern era is a squad game and ultimately, Forest have to make sure that every player is ready for action if called upon in the coming weeks.
Elanga is clearly enjoying his football right now and although he claimed a lot of respect for United after last night’s win, it’s obvious he enjoyed helping Forest to a big three points.