Cristiano Ronaldo controversially booked after scoring from a Newcastle free-kick, he was fuming

Cristiano Ronaldo was convinced he had scored a legitimate goal in the second-half of Sunday's clash against Newcastle after he pounced on a free-kick.

With the scores level at Old Trafford, referee Craig Pawson awarded a free-kick to Newcastle in the 48th minute.

Moments later, defender Fabian Schar nudged the ball to goalkeeper Nick Pope, who proceeded to stand over it for several seconds.

Ronaldo, meanwhile, clearly thought Swiss international Schar had taken a quick free-kick and pounced to tap home.

Despite his efforts, however, referee Craig Pawson blew his whistle before the ball had even hit the unguarded net.

Several Manchester United players, including a furious Ronaldo, surrounded the official but the goal was quickly disallowed and United's number 7 was booked for his protest.

What do you think? Should it have been ruled out?

Ronaldo is trying to score a goal in any way possible 💀💀💀pic.twitter.com/0PK2vGc95E

— Ziad is NOT in pain  (@Ziad_EJ) October 16, 2022

The 37-year-old felt he was within his right to take the ball away from Pope and so did plenty of other fans online.

One said: "No. It’s a goal by the rule. The game is on after the defender passes it back to Pope," while another commented: "That should have been a goal. The Newcastle defender plays the ball to Pope."

A third wrote: "The ball was kicked from where the foul occurred. How is it not in play? Pawson has screwed this match up so bad it’s not even funny."

Ronaldo trying to do a Nani vs Tottenham by scoring from a free-kick after the ball was rolled to Pope. Possibly had a case but got booked by Pawson. Pope has form for time-wasting at Old Trafford. #mufc

— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) October 16, 2022

Ronaldo's day didn't get much better when he was brought off in the 70th minute. He cut a frustrated figure, shaking his head as he left the field of play.

لحظة تبديل رونالدو pic.twitter.com/H0Sj41EopL

— صحيفة مانشستر يونايتد (@MUFCMENA) October 16, 2022

Marcus Rashford came on to replace Portugal's all-time top goalscorer and the England international had a huge chance to score the winner late on, but missed a header from close range.

Erik ten Hag's side are now fifth in the Premier League standings, 11 points behind leaders Arsenal.