In the Premier League match between Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers, 19-year-old Swedish speedster Anthony Erlanga scored the first goal of his first-team career, opening the scoring for the Red Devils with a header. However, he also wasted a couple of great moments in the game, and Solskjaer on the sidelines criticized him for his lack of composure and awareness.
Eranga scored first with a header in the 13th minute, but he actually should have scored in the opening half. In the sixth minute of the match, Tellez sent a sublime long pass to Erlanga, who made a superb run but stopped the ball and sent it straight to the keeper, and the attack was deflected. Two minutes later, Erlanga flashed past a defender in the box, but put a left-footed shot high and wide.
In the early stages of the game, Wolves were a little underestimated by the number 56 Manchester United youngster, so Erlanga had a lot of time on his hands, and if he had taken advantage of it, he might have scored twice or even scored a hat-trick in this game!
Subsequently, as Wolves tightened their defense, Erlanga's threat began to drop and, moreover, his lack of experience was exposed. Just before the end of the match, the Manchester United youngster received a cross from Daniel James on the right side of the box, ignored his teammates who were lining up to assist and his partner who was ready to grab the ball in front of the goal, and tried to emulate Bruno Fernandez's best goal of the season against Everton by firing a shot to the far corner of the net, which was overhit.
Solskjaer on the coach's bench was furious, pointing to his temples with both hands and then making a downward movement, prompting Erlanga to keep his composure. After the match, Solskjaer praised Erlanga, but also prompted him to pay attention to the power.
He could have scored another goal or two, the key is to keep showing up in front of the goal, keep scoring and keep an active style. He has such enthusiasm and energy for soccer and a desire that I appreciate. He deserves to get goals. You may overlook his attitude, desire and attributes, but he's actually a very humble lad who trains very hard and has some of the attributes you'd think are essential in a player. Like you guys said, his pace, straight forward style and his right foot, but equally superb on his left. Only I haven't seen him head the ball so superbly, so that's a big bonus. I think the future is bright for him and I know and trust that he will work hard and use his talents to the fullest.
The three changes in this game of Manchester United are the organization of the youth training youngsters on the field, 18-year-old midfielder Hannibal Meijerburi and center back Will Fish both finished his debut. I'm very happy and proud of them. The boys passed the ball well, created moments and earned the success they deserved. Today's game put a smile on my face, all these players, they performed like we wanted them to, and there were no injuries. We have the speed and enthusiasm of Erlanga and Amadou (Diallo), the experience and talent of James and then Donny (van der Beck), Nemanja (Matic) and Juan (Mata). The effect was great.
You'll see some of these youngsters playing again in the future, that's for sure. I thought it was a Manchester United type of game and both Sir Foy and Sir Busby gave the young kids a chance. My job is to do my best for United and today I think it was a game full of United energy, a lot of the kids made their debuts and Erlanga scored his first goal, so I was really proud of them today.
