Rio Ferdinand, a Manchester United great, has clashed with Michael Owen, a former England striker, over Anthony Elanga at Old Trafford.
Ferdinand cast doubt on Elanga by claiming that the Manchester United winger will not follow in the footsteps of the club’s legends, Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney, but Owen believes the opposite.
Man United drew 1-1 with Atletico Madrid in the Champions League round of 16 first-leg clash on Wednesday night in Spain, with Elanga scoring the only goal.
“When he’s come on, he’s made a difference,” Owen told BT Sport.
“If I saw him on another club, I’d think, ‘Hey, this kid’s got something, and he’s going to be a good player.'”
“However, when I watch them come through Manchester United, I know they have to be exceptional.” They must be on par with the best in the world.
“Will Elanga and other players like him help you win the league or the Champions League?” Are they coming through like Ryan Giggs or Wayne Rooney?
“He’s a terrific player, but if I’m being brutally honest, if you ask me what I think of him, I think he’ll have a fantastic career, but he’ll do very well to be a Ryan Giggs or a Wayne Rooney.”
Ferdinand, on the other hand, says Owen is wrong to equate Elanga’s effect to that of Giggs or Rooney at the same age.
“What he [Elanga] offers is a lot of energy, a lot of passion, and a lot of bravery,” Ferdinand added.
“At times, there isn’t enough in this Manchester United team.
“I think expecting a young player like Wayne Rooney or Ryan Giggs to come through is blue-sky thinking, generational stuff.”
“I don’t believe Man United is in that position right now.” They require sound characters, sound personalities, and honest, hardworking players around whom they can construct.”
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