‘This one was personal’ - Anthony Elanga admits he wanted to ‘prove himself’ against former club Man Utd as he reacts to vital victory for Nottingham Forest

The Red Devils' terrible start to the 2023-24 season continued at the City Ground on Saturday evening, with Forest securing a 2-1 victory. Nicolas Dominguez broke the deadlock for the hosts just after the hour mark, before Marcus Rashford equalised 12 minutes from time. The parity did not last long, however, with Morgan Gibbs-White grabbing the winner shortly after.

Elanga was impressive against his former employers, setting up Gibbs-White for the decisive goal and drawing a number of fouls. This eye-catching display was typical of his season so far, with the Swede registering four goals and six assists since making the £15 million ($19m) move from Old Trafford in the summer.

Speaking to NBC Sports at full time, Elanga said: "Last season wasn’t easy for me because I’d play 5-10 mins then I wouldn’t play 10 games then it would be in and out. So, I've just stayed strong you know? I've had my family supporting me when it's been difficult and I've not even been in the squad.

"This game was kinda personal for me, to prove that I am capable of playing at higher levels. And I'm just grateful for Nottingham Forest for bringing me in, especially Steve Cooper. Now, he's obviously left and Nuno [Espirito Santo] and his staff have come in and done a tremendous job so far."

Elanga made 55 appearances for his boyhood club in total, scoring four goals as well as providing four assists. He made his first-team debut under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer but racked up the majority of his playing time under interim boss Ralf Rangnick, with Erik ten Hag generally preferring to field the likes of Antony, Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford last season.

Elanga will be aiming to keep proving United wrong as Forest look to move further away from the relegation zone under new manager Espirito Santo in 2024. Their latest victory leaves them in 15th to start the new year, five points clear of Luton Town in 18th, though the Hatters do have a game in hand.