Manchester United explain Anthony Elanga's new role in academy

Neil Wood has admitted Anthony Elanga is a 'great example' for youngsters in Manchester United's academy.

Elanga made his full United debut last season, but it's under Ralf Rangnick in recent weeks that the 19-year-old has excelled most. Rangnick was impressed with Elanga from his first training session in charge and he's since offered the forward first-team opportunities.

Elanga is now regularly in contention to start matches under Rangnick and his impressive performances — he scored United's only goal in the Champions League last 16 first leg against Atletico Madrid — have certainly excited supporters. The Swede was developed in United's academy and, ahead of the young Reds' U19s UEFA Youth Nations League clash against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday night, where tickets are free to attend, manager Wood reflected on his recent progress.

ALSO READ:Manchester United make request ahead of Borussia Dortmund youth tie

Wood admitted Elanga now sets an example to the youngsters learning in the club's academy. "When you look around at Europe and look at the amount of young players that have played in this competition [UEFA Youth League] that have gone on to play for their first team, the numbers are really high," Wood told Callum McFadden's YouTube.

"Teden [Mengi] has gone out on loan, Hannibal has been training with the first team and everyone has seen the impact that Anthony [Elanga] has had. Anthony has been with us for the last two or three years and we could see the improvement in his development.

"Even from a young age, we worked in the academy with him, you could see his character, you could see he was driven and he always wanted to improve. Everyone is really pleased for him and proud of what he's achieved over the last