Elanga on Ten Hag, Ronaldo and learning from Henry

"We know as a group it hasn't been good enough," Anthony Elanga tells Sky Sports. "Deep down we know we need to do better, but it's time to be positive about the future and not have any more negativity."

The 2021/22 season has been a write-off for Manchester United. What promised so much will once again deliver so little.

Many expected a serious challenge for the Premier League title, but United quickly fell behind rivals Manchester City and Liverpool. They are now languishing in sixth place, with a top-four finish out of the question.

In a campaign that has seen Ole Gunnar Solskjaer lose his job and Ralf Rangnick become interim manager, United suffered early exits in both domestic cup competitions and defeat by Atletico Madrid in the Champions League means the club's trophy drought will extend into a sixth consecutive season.

Amid the chaos and disappointment, though, 20-year-old forward Elanga has been a rare bright spark.

"Sometimes things don't go our way," he says. "All the best teams go through spells like this. It's all about looking back at this at the end of the season and seeing what we can do better."

United must win their final two games to equal their worst overall points tally in the Premier League era. Starting away at Brighton on Saturday - live on Sky Sports - before a trip to Crystal Palace on the final day, only victories will do if they are to match the 64 points achieved in 2013/14.

"We still have two games left and it's about finishing the season as strongly as possible," Elanga adds. "We just have to regroup and start the new season firing."

With the arrival of Ajax boss Erik ten Hag next season, it is hoped United can do exactly that.

The Dutchman, who will replace Rangnick on an initial