Elanga, Uniteds’ academy graduate scored the first goal against Brentford in Red Devils’ 3-1 win with a superb header
By Kehinde Okeowo
Arsenal legend, Paul Merson, believes Cristiano Ronaldo took away the headlines from academy graduate, Anthony Elanga in Man Uniteds’ Premier League 3-1 win against Brentford.
Brentford had dominated the first half and could have gone 2 goals up but for the heroics of United keeper, David De Gea and poor marksmanship from their strikers.
Elanga began Man United’s resurgence after putting them ahead with a brilliant goal in the 55th minute of the encounter at the Brentford Community Stadium.
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But Ronaldo’s poor attitude after Harry Maguire took his place in the 71st minute of the second half dominated the headlines.
Ralf Rangnick who calmed Ronaldo down after he was substituted later said he made the change because he needed fresh legs to ensure his team gained the 3 points.
But Paul Merson told Daily Star that Ronaldo needs to apologise to Elanga for taking the spotlight away from him, on a day he scored a goal after starting a game.
He said “Cristiano Ronaldo owes Anthony Elanga a big apology.
“What he did against Brentford spoiled the youngster’s big day and it was so childish.
“The poor kid. He starts his first Premier League game of the season, scoring for Manchester United.
“And then Ronaldo gets substituted, strops off, and has a hissy fit. As soon as it happened I said to my mate: ‘You watch, you won’t even know the kid has scored now.”
He added, “It was unbelievable for someone who’s been around the game that long to do that and take the headlines away from Elanga.
“It is not happening for him. I went to the game with my boy, to show him, Ronaldo. One of the greatest players of all time
“He is a shadow of that player. An absolute shadow.”
Man United’s next game is against London club, West Ham United at Old Trafford on Saturday evening.