Cristiano Ronaldo’s gesture to Mikel Arteta caught on Arsenal ‘Bench Cam’ after Man Utd penalty appeal

FOOTAGE shows Mikel Arteta sympathised with Cristiano Ronaldo as the striker complained to the fourth official during Manchester United’s 3-1 loss to Arsenal last Saturday. Ronaldo, 37, was frustrated with the officials failing to award his side a penalty when Jadon Sancho went down in the box under a challenge from Cedric Soares. So when […]

FOOTAGE shows Mikel Arteta sympathised with Cristiano Ronaldo as the striker complained to the fourth official during Manchester United’s 3-1 loss to Arsenal last Saturday.

Ronaldo, 37, was frustrated with the officials failing to award his side a penalty when Jadon Sancho went down in the box under a challenge from Cedric Soares.

Reuters

Cristiano Ronaldo points out that Manchester United should have had a penalty[/caption]

Reuters

Mikel Arteta shows understanding while pointing in the area of the incident[/caption]

Reuters

The pair amicably shook hands and likely agreed to disagree on the matter[/caption]

So when Arsenal were instead awarded a penalty moments later Ronaldo rushed over to the sideline to question the officials’ decision-making.

But the Portuguese realised he was fighting a losing battle with Arsenal’s bench camera showing the striker graciously accepting Arteta’s offer of a handshake.

The Gunners boss then pointed towards his team’s penalty box as an admission his side could have conceded a spot-kick.

Ronaldo then did the same before compatriot Soares approached him with outstretched arms – as if to say he did nothing wrong.

Bukayo Saka scored the resulting penalty and although CR7 pulled one back for United, Granit Xhaka responded to give his side a 3-1 win.

Some fans have been speculating about what was said between Arteta and Ronaldo.

One Gooner captioned the post from the perspective of the Portuguese, tweeting: “Can I play for Arsenal too next season gaffer?”

Another added: “He’s saying “at the end of the game I want your autograph best manager in the world.”

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A third said: “Needed coaching from Arteta to score. Generational manager.”

Ronaldo may not have asked Arteta for a transfer but the Spaniard is said to be keen on a different Manchester-based attacker – Gabriel Jesus.

The Manchester City star has reportedly agreed personal terms with the club after months of talks with transfer chief Edu.