Cristiano Ronaldo has posted a message on social media after he was criticised for storming straight down the tunnel following Manchester United’s frustrating draw with Burnley.
Ronaldo was dropped from the starting line-up at Turf Moor but was used as a second-half substitute as United were held to a 1-1 draw away from home.
The Portuguese failed to applaud the travelling United supporters at full-time and instead headed straight for the dressing room.
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Earlier this season, former United defender Gary Neville criticised Ronaldo for failing to acknowledge the club's travelling supporters after a 1-1 draw with Newcastle.
Former Rangers forward Ally McCoist has also expressed his disappointment with the Portugal international.
"I do feel he should be acknowledging the fans, that should always be done," McCoist told talkSPORT.
"The travelling fans in particular, certainly in my experience, can be the more vocal of your team's support and they travel long distances and spend an awful lot of money.
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"I can understand that sometimes the overall disappointment of defeat getting to you and just wanting to get off the park.
"However, I think you should always go over to your travelling support and give them a thank you."
Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Shay Given added: "Ronaldo's a superstar, and he doesn't look overly happy at the moment.
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"He stormed down the tunnel last night again; that doesn't sit well with away fans who've travelled to Burnley on a wet and cold night.
"It's not difficult to go and clap your own fans, so there's a lot of issues there at the minute."
Ronaldo appeared to indirectly address that criticism on Wednesday, posting an image of himself interacting with a young United supporter to his Twitter account.
"Children are and will always be the best thing the world has to offer, and we must protect them at all costs," Ronaldo wrote.
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"Supporters are and will always be the best in football, and we must respect everything they face and endure for their clubs."
United are now fifth in the Premier League after the draw - one point behind West Ham, who beat Watford 1-0 on Tuesday.
Ralf Rangnick’s side return to action against Southampton at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United, Football, Premier League