Newcastle United’s 2025 summer signings have largely been disappointing so far.
While Malick Thiaw and Nick Woltemade have been excellent, that is where the success ends.
Aaron Ramsdale is unconvincing in goal, while we are yet to see the best of Jacob Ramsey and Yoane Wissa.
The biggest question mark goes next to Anthony Elanga, with the winger seriously struggling in black and white since his £55million arrival from Nottingham Forest. As it stands, he very much looks like a flop.
Elanga was very poor against Sunderland, as he continues to wait for his breakout moment for his new club.
Newcastle were amazing in the first half vs Chelsea! Would you make any changes against Man United? 🤔
Anthony Elanga must make Newcastle United statement against his former club
That moment almost came on Saturday. Elanga had a chance to score the winner against Chelsea, but his effort went wide.
Going for a goal was a mistake from Elanga, who had Harvey Barnes and Yoane Wissa in support. The 23-year-old’s decision making was poor, which has been a recurring theme throughout his Newcastle United career.
The Swedish speedster’s next opportunity to enhance his Toon reputation comes on Boxing Day, when Newcastle United face Manchester United at Old Trafford.
- Who is Anthony Elanga? Newcastle United’s brand new £55m winger
That feels like the perfect stage for Elanga to step up and deliver, having come through the Man United academy before moving to Nottingham Forest in search of more regular first-team football.
Playing against Man United is a chance for Elanga to show his former employers what they are missing, while also proving to the Toon Army that he can be a success under Eddie Howe.
With the size of the Old Trafford pitch, there will be plenty of space for him to exploit. Newcastle United need to utilise Elanga’s speed more effectively, having failed to consistently get him into dangerous positions since his arrival.
Whether or not he starts on Boxing Day remains to be seen, but there should at least be some kind of chance for Elanga to finally step up at the expense of his old club.
Can we make it back-to-back wins at Old Trafford? Give us your predictions!
We've not been great away, but I reckon we could get a belated Christmas present 🎁
Why Anthony Elanga left Manchester United
It is two-and-a-half years since Elanga left Manchester United.
He was sold to Nottingham Forest in July 2023 for £15million, inking a five-year deal at the City Ground.
Following his Manchester United departure, Elanga explained the reason why he chose to leave.
“Was Ten Hag the reason I left United? No, I wouldn’t say that,” he told soccernews.nl.
“I just wanted to play, that was especially important to me. I’m young and I don’t want to sit on the bench all season, you know? When you’re young you want to play, you want to make mistakes, you want to take risks.
“But he wasn’t the reason for my leaving. There I mainly focused on myself, not on others.”
Elanga’s performances for Forest were enough to convince Newcastle United to invest £55million in him in July 2025. That represents a £40million profit for Nottingham Forest.
He is yet to justify that price tag, with Elanga looking extremely short of confidence at St James’ Park. Hopefully that changes in the very near future.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
