“Woodward Sold Man Utd’s ‘Big Disappointment’, Now He’s Outperforming Cunha”
Woodward Sold Man Utd’s ‘Big Disappointment’, Now He’s Outperforming Cunha
In the ruthless world of football transfers, some decisions age well — others come back to haunt the club. For Manchester United, the transfer legacy of former executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward is a topic that continues to divide opinion. From record signings like Paul Pogba and Harry Maguire to head-scratching flops like Alexis Sánchez and Ángel Di María, Woodward’s transfer dealings have often raised eyebrows.
But among the long list of outgoings under his stewardship, one player stands out as a case of a premature sale: Anthony Elanga. Once viewed as a promising academy graduate, Elanga was allowed to leave Old Trafford in 2023 after being labelled a “big disappointment” in the eyes of some fans and insiders. Yet less than two seasons later, the Swedish international is outperforming Wolves’ £44 million striker Matheus Cunha, and proving that perhaps Manchester United gave up on him too soon.
So how did Elanga go from fringe figure at United to one of Nottingham Forest’s most exciting attackers — and why does this comparison with Cunha matter?
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The Departure: A Quiet Exit After a Frustrating Spell
When Anthony Elanga joined Manchester United’s academy at age 12, hopes were high. A speedy winger with directness and confidence, he quickly rose through the youth ranks and made his senior debut under Ole Gunnar Solskjær in 2021. He showed flashes of potential — including a memorable goal against Atlético Madrid in the Champions League — but never truly cemented his place in the squad.
By the 2022–23 season, under Erik ten Hag, Elanga had become a peripheral figure. With the arrival of Antony, Jadon Sancho, and increased minutes for Garnacho, Elanga’s opportunities dwindled. He finished that campaign with zero goals and just two assists in 26 appearances, most of which were as a substitute.
Seen as surplus to requirements, Elanga was sold to Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2023 for around £15 million. At the time, many saw it as a sensible move. Even Woodward, though already on his way out of the club’s day-to-day operations, had reportedly endorsed the decision as part of the club’s long-term trimming strategy.
Few expected what came next.
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The Rise at Forest: A Player Reborn
Since joining Forest, Anthony Elanga has been nothing short of a revelation. Playing under managers who trust in pace, width, and counter-attacking football, Elanga has found an environment tailored to his strengths. He’s become a fixture in the starting XI and an end-product-driven winger who is making meaningful contributions week in, week out.
In the 2024/25 season, Elanga has recorded:
8 goals and 9 assists in all competitions (as of May)
Direct involvement in 40% of Forest’s Premier League goals
Match-winning displays against the likes of Chelsea, Everton, and Aston Villa
What stands out is not just the numbers, but the maturity in his play. He tracks back diligently, times his runs better, and is far more composed in the final third — traits that were missing during his last days at United.
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The Cunha Comparison: Numbers Don’t Lie
Now let’s turn to Matheus Cunha, the Wolves forward who was signed permanently from Atlético Madrid in a deal worth £44 million. At the time, he was hailed as the man to lead the line and fill the void left by Raúl Jiménez. While Cunha has shown flashes of quality, he’s been plagued by inconsistency and injuries, contributing just 6 goals and 5 assists in the league this season — a tally now eclipsed by Elanga.
Let’s look at the comparison:
Despite playing for a team with fewer attacking resources and fighting relegation, Elanga has been more efficient and more decisive than Cunha. And he cost a third of the price.
This contrast has sparked questions about scouting, development, and how Premier League clubs assess potential. Why invest £44 million in a striker with no consistent top-flight record when a Premier League-proven young winger was available for a bargain?
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Manchester United’s Regret?
While United certainly needed to clear out their bloated squad and make room for rising stars like Garnacho and Mainoo, selling Elanga now looks premature, especially considering the club’s lack of attacking depth in wide areas. Injuries and form dips for Sancho and Antony have left United scrambling for consistent performances on the flanks.
Moreover, with Marcus Rashford enduring a turbulent 2024/25 season and loan deals not delivering, the presence of someone like Elanga — hungry, in form, and now experienced in the Premier League — could have provided Erik ten Hag or his successor Ruben Amorim with a valuable squad option.
Rio Ferdinand recently hinted at this missed opportunity on his podcast, saying:
> “Elanga’s tearing it up at Forest. You’ve got to ask — why didn’t he get the chance to do that at United? It’s about timing and confidence. He’s got both now.”
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A Reflection on Woodward’s Transfer Legacy
Elanga’s resurgence also casts a wider spotlight on Ed Woodward’s transfer strategy — or the lack thereof — during his time at the club. Woodward oversaw hundreds of millions spent on marquee names, often without a coherent footballing vision. The club routinely allowed talented academy products to leave without properly integrating them or managing their development.
In retrospect, the handling of players like James Garner, Angel Gomes, and now Anthony Elanga highlights a pattern of undervaluing homegrown assets in pursuit of short-term solutions. While some of those sales were justified, Elanga’s case may be added to a growing list of talents who flourished after leaving Carrington.
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Conclusion: Elanga’s Redemption, United’s Reflection
Anthony Elanga may have been seen as a “big disappointment” during his final days at Manchester United, but his performances at Nottingham Forest show that the label was premature. Now outperforming players like Matheus Cunha — who cost nearly triple and plays for a more established side — Elanga is proving that sometimes all a player needs is a little time, the right system, and trust.
For Manchester United, his rise should spark introspection. As the club looks to build a new era under INEOS and Ruben Amorim, the Elanga lesson is simple but powerful: don’t give up too soon on your own. Sometimes, the solution isn’t a blockbuster signing. Sometimes, it’s already in your squad — waiting to be trusted.
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