United stars 'rapped Ronaldo' for derby tantrum

Senior Manchester United players reportedly reprimanded Cristiano Ronaldo following the World Player of the Year's temper tantrum during Sunday's derby at Old Trafford.

Ronaldo showed his dissent towards Sir Alex Ferguson and United backroom staff after being substituted after an hour of the 2-0 win over Manchester City - with the game seemingly won.

Ferguson has refused to comment in public but Ronaldo's antics have drawn strong criticism from pundits and fans and it is believed the United forward's team-mates also made their displeasure clear to the 24-year-old. A club source told The Sun: 'A number were unhappy sbout Ronaldo's behaviour and told him so.

'A lot of these players have grown up with Alex Ferguson as their manager and don't like seeing anyone show him disrespect.'

Ronaldo is expected to be in the United team to face Wigan at the JJB Stadium tonight but Latics boss Steve Bruce, a former Red Devil, has told him he would be mad to leave Old Trafford.

Ronaldo is again being linked with a transfer to Real Madrid but Bruce said: 'Once you leave Old Trafford you find it very difficult.

'Not many have gone on to do well elsewhere, whether they have been a reserve or have been there ten years. It's very difficult to adjust.'