Manchester United make up for tactical mistakes with two changes in draw with Atletico Madrid

'Vuela Atleti' - fly Atleti - read the pitch-long banner, accompanied by a snarling pilot. Anthony Elanga clipped their wings.

Even from a lofty vantage point where they might have found birds' nests, Mancunian voices reverberated around the Wanda Metropolitano bowl to the sound of Rhythm Is A Dancer.

On this occasion, Elanga lived up to his lyrics as United's saviour. His slick first-time finish past Jan Oblak belied his 19 years and has given United an unlikely advantage in a tie many of their players failed to show up for.

Atletico muzzled Bruno Fernandes, mollified Cristiano Ronaldo and neutered Paul Pogba. They hit the crossbar twice in either half and for 80 minutes had denied United an attempt on target. Then Elanga embarked on a run into the channel and the space opened up for Fernandes, wasteful up until then. He found his target, as did Elanga.

The euphoric United supporters chanted Elanga's song non-stop beyond the full-time whistle and during their lock-in. What a happier time that will have been. For 80 minutes, all they had was the satisfaction of sunshine and sightseeing.

Three years on from fielding a makeshift right-back in a Champions League qualifier in Spain, United came full circle and unfortunately for Victor Lindelof, he was the square peg rammed into a round hole again. At least this time United avoided a thrashing.

Inquests can be delayed for another three weeks, at least. The away goals rule has been abolished and United's recent home record has been littered with results to Atletico's preference. They are still in danger of entering the March internationals without any silverware up for grabs since 2015.

For almost the entirety of the night, a club that places the emphasis on the collective