KEY POINTS

  • Anthony Elanga scored the equalizer for Man Utd
  • It was Elanga's second goal in successive games
  • Man Utd to next host Watford in the league on Saturday

Anthony Elanga has revealed he was asked to “scare” Atletico Madrid moments before scoring the equalizer for Manchester United at Wanda Metropolitano.

Elanga negated Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix's seventh-minute header with his 80th-minute header in the 1-1 draw in their Champions League’s Round of 16 first-leg tie on Wednesday.

"I have dreamt of moments like this, scoring in the Champions League against top European teams like Atletico Madrid, [it is] a dream come true. I think it was my first touch as well. He [Rangnick] said to me to make the defenders scared and run in behind. I wanted a good result for the fans because they came a long way. It is only the first half, we have to be ready for the second half at Old Trafford," 19-year-old Elanga told BT Sport after the match in Madrid.

Elanga’s goal was Manchester United’s first and only shot on target as the Sweden national became the Red Devils’ youngest ever goalscorer in the knockout stages of the Champions League at 19 years and 302 days, according to UEFA Champions League’s official Twitter account.

Elanga was also the youngest Swedish player to score a goal in any stage of the elite European competition, according to ESPN Stats.

The goal against Atletico Madrid Wednesday was the 19-year-old forward’s second in successive matches after scoring as a substitute in the 4-2 win over Leeds United at Elland Road on Sunday.

"I told you how calm and cool I am and whenever I am given an opportunity I want to repay the manager and give 150% everytime I step onto the pitch. I just do what I can do, I want to be the best player on the pitch and I appreciate the boss. You have got to stay in the game, anything can happen. We did not play the best in the first half, but improved after the substitutions in the second half," Elanga added in the same BT Sport interview.

Anthony Elanga
Manchester United's Swedish striker Anthony Elanga shows the logo of his team at the end of the English Premier League football match between Leeds United and Manchester United at Elland Road in Leeds, northern England on February 20, 2022. PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images

Manchester United’s upcoming game is a home league fixture against Watford on Saturday. With 46 points in 26 matches, the Red Devils are placed fourth in the 2021-22 Premier League table, four points behind third-placed Chelsea.

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