Anthony Elanga passes Manchester United character test to emulate Cristiano Ronaldo

Plenty has changed since Manchester United were last 'welcomed' to Elland Road in the Premier League by those passionate Leeds United supporters.

No sooner than 18 years on from their last league meeting in front of fans in October 2003, though, a short trip across the M62 remains a hugely significant character test for any player wearing red - young or old.

Elite sport has a unique way of working in circles and drawing familiarities with its storylines.

Cristiano Ronaldo - now 37 - went through a baptism of fire when he first strode out onto the Elland Road pitch in 2003. It was only his fourth start for United.

Subject to roughhouse treatment on-field, the then-teenager dusted himself down following an early introduction from ex- Leeds defender Gary Kelly and went on to showcase the immense durability that has since led him to five Ballon d'Ors and countless team honours throughout the course of his glittering career.

Almost two decades later, the baton was passed to Anthony Elanga.

You don't need to follow United to understand there is something special about the Swedish prospect. He was not yet 18 months old when Ronaldo gave Kelly and his teammates the runaround, while the much-publicised gap between games against Leeds in the Premier League with fans present means he, perhaps, would not have been too sure what to expect when he touched down in West Yorkshire.

That in itself was an intriguing subplot when Elanga was summoned from the bench. It was not the only one.

United were seemingly in cruise control after Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes struck in the first half.

Rodrigo and Raphinha hit back for the hosts, though Ralf Rangnick stayed calm as he called for Fred and Elanga.

Given how Paul Pogba had