Champions League: Rangnick Hails 'Approach' Of Teen Star Who Almost Left Manchester United

Ralf Rangnick heaped praises on Anthony Elanga, saying more players must take him as a "role model." He also revealed that the 19-year-old forward had almost left Manchester United earlier this season.

Elanga scored the equalizer for Manchester United in a 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid in their Champions League Round of 16 first-leg fixture Wednesday.

Manchester United failed to even touch Atletico Madrid’s box in the first half. Elanga’s 80th-minute goal was the Red Devils’ first and only shot on target.

"I wish a few other players would take Elanga as a role model. He's simply living the dream," Rangnick said after the match at Wanda Metropolitano, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.

By netting the goal against Atletico Madrid, Elanga became Manchester United’s youngest ever goalscorer in the knockout stages of the Champions League at 19 years and 302 days. Elanga also became the youngest-ever Swedish player to score a goal in any stage of the elite European competition.

Hailing Elanga’s "approach," the German boss said that the teenage forward wanted to leave Manchester United on a loan stint to gain more game time.

Elanga made his first appearance under Rangnick as a substitute in December’s 1-0 win over Crystal Palace, which was also the boss’ first game as the club’s interim manager. Elanga’s 14-minute performance on the field convinced Rangnick to ask the Swedish forward to stay.

"He was the player with the best training performance, he had already decided to leave on loan. He came on against Palace, and after I told him I want him to stay. Right now he has just shown what is possible with the right mentality, right approach to go into games," Rangnick said, according to The Guardian.

Elanga, who made his senior debut with Manchester United last season, has netted three goals in 14 appearances for the club, across all competitions, in the ongoing campaign.

"I’ve dreamt of moments like this, scoring in the Champions League. Obviously in a big occasion like this, against a top European team like Atletico Madrid – like I say it's a dream come true. But it's only the first half [of the tie]. That's gone now and the second half is at Old Trafford in a couple of weeks. So, got to be ready for that," Elanga said after the Atletico game, according to Man Utd's media.

Manchester United's upcoming fixture is a home match against Watford in the Premier League is Saturday.