Ralf Rangnick favourite faces uncertain Manchester United role under Erik ten Hag

There is a tedious trend ahead of any new season regarding the players who 'could be like new signings' under the guidance of a new manager.

At Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag will inherit former Ajax star Donny Van de Beek, who could be likened to a new signing under his old boss, while the same can be said of young hopeful James Garner after an excellent loan spell at Nottingham Forest.

Others might argue that Raphael Varane could be like one if he manages to stay fit for the entire campaign. Meanwhile, a resurgent Marcus Rashford might also fit the bill if he regains confidence and form under the Dutch coach.

READ MORE: Manchester United are showing how much they trust Erik ten Hag with Antony transfer stance

However, the arrival of a new manager can also spell the end of regular time for others, and one United youngster has a challenge on his hands to keep his place under Ten Hag.

Anthony Elanga was the biggest success story from Ralf Rangnick’s troubled reign as interim manager, making 27 appearances in total during his breakout season. The 20-year-old earned promotion to the senior Sweden side, netted a Champions League equaliser away at Atletico Madrid and, by the end of the campaign, was as worthy of a starting role as any other forward at the club.

Yet this summer, his regular role is no longer such a certainty. Elanga is one of a plethora of inverted left wingers at the club, and in recent weeks he has admitted he prefers playing in that position rather than the vacant right wing role.

“With United I play a lot on the right, but now I get the chance to play on the left, that is my favourite position," he recently told Fotbollskanalen. “I can do more there. I can go both into the pitch and on the outside.”

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