Should Cristiano Ronaldo be fined?

Cristiano Ronaldo was visibly frustrated at being substituted on Sunday, but did he have the right to behave in such a manner?

Cristiano Ronaldo was visibly frustrated at being substituted at 60 minutes by Sir Alex Ferguson during United’s 2-0 home win over Manchester City on Sunday, but did he have the right to behave in such a manner?

The star striker stood with his hand on his hips looking away, deliberately ignoring his manager’s request to come off the pitch. Eventually he strolled off and then swiped the jacket offered to him from one of United’s coaching staff onto the floor.

Ronaldo then left the stadium within 15 minutes of the final whistle. As Sky’s Jamie Redknapp pointed out, all footballers want to play as much as possible, but with United in a comfortable position, one can fully understand the reasoning for Sir Alex’s decision to rest him.

Whereas one can understand his frustration at not playing more of the game, he must surely be able to appreciate that his manager is resting him ahead of a potentially crucial game at Wigan on Wednesday.

Many fans have already labelled the 24-year-old’s actions as disrespectful towards his manager, but time will tell whether United decide to take a stance and fine the player for his questionable behaviour.