Anthony Elanga hailed a “dream come true” after rescuing an unlikely draw for Manchester United in their Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid.
Ralf Rangnick’s side trailed 1-0 in their last-16 first-leg tie at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in Spain on Wednesday night following Joao Felix’s early header, only to grab a shock equaliser 10 minutes from time when their teenage substitute expertly converted Bruno Fernandes’ perfect pass beyond Jan Oblak.
It was Elanga’s first touch of the game after replacing the disappointing Marcus Rashford just minutes earlier and continued the impressive rise of the 19-year-old Swedish winger, who became United’s youngest ever goalscorer in the Champions League knockout stages.
The academy graduate also netted to finish off a dramatic 4-2 Premier League win over fierce rivals Leeds at Elland Road on Sunday, while he also scored in the 3-1 win over Brentford last month.
Elanga has provided a rare bright spark in a difficult period for United, who will host Atletico in the crunch second leg at Old Trafford on March 15.
"I have dreamt of moments like this, scoring in the Champions League, a big occasion like this against a top European team in Atletico Madrid, it is a dream come true,” Elanga told BT Sport.
"It is only the first half, the first half is gone now, the second half is at Old Trafford.
"Whenever I get the opportunity for the club I just want to repay the manager, leave nothing in the tank and give 150 per cent every time I step on the pitch.
"I just do what I can do when I get on the pitch. I always tell myself I want to be the best player on the pitch.
"I appreciate the boss, every time he puts me on I just want to repay the faith to him."
