Anthony Elanga returned to haunt Manchester United, scoring the decisive goal that edged Nottingham Forest closer to Champions League qualification. The 22-year-old winger collected the ball in his own half and rapidly dashed 85 metres in just nine seconds to net the sole goal of the match at the City Ground. While the result leaves United in 13th, Elanga's effort puts Forest nine points clear of fifth-placed Manchester City . Elanga has been instrumental for Nuno Espirito Santo's team this season, contributing six goals and eight assists across 30 league games, and is another example of a player flourishing after leaving the club. The former United prospect moved to Forest in 2023 for £15million, eager for more consistent playing time. Elanga's goal against United served as a stark reminder of the qualities he could bring to the squad, but he had already won over Bruno Fernandes . Before Elanga made his United debut in 2021, Fernandes confidently stated: "I think he has a future with us." Elanga made his senior debut aged 19 under then-manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in May 2021. Having spent the season on the fringes of the first team, his potential did not go unnoticed by Fernandes, who praised Elanga ahead of featuring against Leicester City. "He is impressing everyone because he is a really nice kid," Fernandes told United's club website . "Quiet, works hard. He is really good on the ball, plays with both feet. "So he has a future. If he puts his head focused on what he has to do and what he can achieve, I think he has a future with us." Fernandes' faith in Elanga was justified as the young player began making regular appearances under interim manager Ralf Rangnick in the subsequent season. After patiently waiting for his opportunity, Elanga impressed Fernandes once more against Aston Villa in January 2022. "I said it last season already, Anthony is a kid that works hard and is prepared to be in the team, prepared to play,' Fernandes told MUTV, as reported by Metro . "He's being a top kid, waiting for his moment, training really hard and he deserved the chance that he got today. He was, for me, one of the best on the pitch. He gave everything." However, with new manager Erik ten Hag signing Antony for £86m to play on the right flank, and Jadon Sancho also available as a wide option, Elanga's role at Old Trafford seemed limited. He played 26 times in his final season before moving to Forest, a move which Fernandes acknowledged on Instagram at the time, writing: "All the best kid @AnthonyElanga," accompanied by a red heart emoji. On Tuesday, Elanga scored one of Forest's few opportunities, further highlighting United's wasteful attack. Despite Ruben Amorim not typically using traditional wingers, Elanga's solo run demonstrated a decisiveness often missing from this United side, who are currently 20 points behind Forest in the table. It is the second time that Elanga has made his mark against his former club. In the same fixture last season, he provided the assist for Morgan Gibbs-White's winning goal at the City Ground. As he pursues European football with Forest, Elanga harbours no regrets about his decision to leave United to further his career. "I made the right decision, 100 per cent," he confessed to the Athletic in December. " I have not really spoken about this, but at the time at United, I was very young and I was coming into a team that was struggling. "Yes, there was the thought that, 'I am playing for Manchester United .' But I also never felt as though I was improving." "I have no regrets, because I am enjoying playing fantastic football with this team," Elanga continued. "We are in a really good place at the moment. It [United] is the biggest club in the world and there will always be pressure; always be eyes on you. "He [Ruben Amorim] hit the nail on the head when he said they are a massive club, but not a massive team. That will take time. But I am sure they will have the quality to get back to that level."