Cristiano Ronaldo should apologise to Anthony Elanga after throwing his toys out of the pram during Manchester United's win away at Brentford, says Paul Merson.
United picked up their first victory in three matches on Wednesday night, running out 3-1 winners against Brentford thanks to goals from Elanga, Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford.
Yet their triumph did not go without drama, as in the 71st minute Ronaldo reacted negatively to being replaced by Ralf Rangnick.
When he was substituted in west London, the 36-year-old gestured furiously and threw his jacket to the ground before holding his arms out in frustration.
Ronaldo's reaction dominated the headlines despite United's win, and Merson believes he owes academy graduate Elanga, their star performer on the night, an apology for his antics.
'Cristiano Ronaldo owes Anthony Elanga a big apology,' he wrote in his column for the Daily Star.
‘What he did against Brentford spoiled the youngster’s big day – and it was so childish.
‘The poor kid. He starts his first Premier League game of the season, scores for Manchester United.
‘And then Ronaldo gets substituted, strops off and has a hissy fit. As soon as it happened as I said to my mate: "You watch, you won’t even know the kid has scored now."
‘It was unbelievable for someone who’s been around the game that long to do that and take the headlines away from Elanga.
‘It’s not happening for him. I went to the game with my boy, to show him Ronaldo. One of the greatest players of all time.
‘He’s a shadow of that player. An absolute shadow.’