The first matchup between Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo was memorable back in 2003.

A new generation of football fans who somehow also had the privilege of witnessing the forward, now 37, engage in some magical moments in the last few seasons, adore the forward.

Veteran football fans, however, will recall the impressionable and naive young Cristiano from 2003 who was extremely driven to succeed.

He had such high expectations that he famously transferred from Sporting Lisbon to Manchester United in 2003 because he was so hungry.

Ronaldo wasn't well-known back then and was only really well-liked for being one of the era's bright rising stars.

In terms of his on-field performances, Ronaldo was gaining a reputation as a highly skilled winger who was not averse to going up against anyone in a one-on-one situation.

In his armoury were flamboyant stepovers, chops and the classic ‘elastico’, all synonymous with Brazilian footballers.

Onefootball recalls that Ronaldo, at the time, who was only 18, had to learn the hard way that those skills were not to be used on anyone.

Rooney makes a brutal tackle that completely buryes Ronaldo.

In a fierce match between Everton and Manchester United in 2003, Ronaldo faced off against an 18-year-old Rooney.

Ronaldo was given the ball close to the touchline as the Red Devils held a 2-1 advantage at the time. He determined that now was the ideal opportunity to use his teasing prowess.

Ronaldo was stopped in his tracks while performing a few foot rolls with the ball by Rooney. The England international was not amused by Ronaldo's fancy moves and lunged in to strike the winger high on the leg.

Here is a video of the incident shared by Best of Football on Twitter