Ruben Amorim has responded to suggestions that Manchester United erred in selling Anthony Elanga.
Elanga, 22, secured victory for Nottingham Forest against Manchester United with a 1-0 scoreline on Tuesday.
The former Manchester United player, who was sold for £15 million in 2023, executed a remarkable dribble from his own half after intercepting a header from Ryan Yates during a corner.
Elanga evaded a challenge from Alejandro Garnacho, skillfully maneuvered past Noussair Mazraoui and Patrick Dorgu, and then precisely shot the ball into the bottom right corner, past Andre Onana.
This season, Elanga has been outstanding for Nuno Espirito Santo`s Forest, contributing six goals and nine assists in 34 appearances across all competitions.
Following the match at City Ground, Amorim was questioned about whether the club made an error in selling the winger.
However, the former Sporting Lisbon coach refuted these claims, asserting that Elanga had opportunities to prove himself at United before his transfer. He acknowledged that time to succeed at Old Trafford is often limited.
Amorim stated, “We are discussing numerous attacking players at Manchester United who are performing well, but Elanga had his chance here.”
“At Manchester United, time is a luxury you don`t have. Even I wouldn`t have time. We must achieve success rapidly.”
Elanga is among several ex-United players who have flourished after leaving the club. Scott McTominay, Antony, and Marcus Rashford, currently on loan, are examples from this season.
Amorim added, “You`re referring to players who did play for Manchester United. They were given playing time at Manchester United.”
“The pressure here can be immense, and sometimes there isn`t enough time for these young players to fully develop. Time is needed to nurture these talents.”
“They were given opportunities, and sometimes in football, situations evolve this way. The pressure of representing Manchester United is significant.”
Elanga`s goal against his former team signifies his 28th Premier League goal contribution in his Forest career, surpassing any Manchester United winger in the last two seasons.
Originally joining United at age 12, the Swedish player debuted at 19 in 2021 under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
He became a more consistent player under interim manager Ralf Rangnick in 2022 but eventually grew frustrated with limited opportunities under Erik ten Hag.
Upon his departure, he mentioned to The Times in 2024: “Leaving was difficult, but necessary because I desired regular play. I didn`t want another season of sporadic 10-minute appearances or extended periods without playing,” he explained.
“I sought a fresh beginning, although leaving a club I`d been with for nine years was never going to be easy.”
“Sometimes football is unpredictable; things don`t always align.”
“I had observed Erik ten Hag`s work with young talents at Ajax, which was encouraging, but the opportunities just weren`t there for me.”
Elanga`s winning goal has boosted his club`s chances of qualifying for the Champions League next season.
Assuming the Premier League secures a fifth Champions League spot due to strong European performances this season, Forest currently holds a 10-point lead above non-qualifying positions with eight games remaining.
Meanwhile, Manchester United continues to seek consecutive league victories this season.
They maintained possession and took over 20 shots but struggled to create clear scoring opportunities, except for a late goal-line clearance.
Forest`s next league match is away against Aston Villa, while United will host Manchester City in the Manchester Derby.
