Cristiano Ronaldo refused a fan's cheeky request for a photo during Manchester United's 2-0 Europa League win against Sheriff Tiraspol in Moldova on Thursday evening.
Ronaldo scored his first goal of the season to end a run of seven games without finding the net. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has endured a tough start to the term under Erik ten Hag, starting United's last four Premier League fixtures from the bench.
Yet Ronaldo took his opportunity on Thursday evening by scoring a first-half penalty to give the visitors a two-goal advantage. Jadon Sancho, who was omitted from the England squad for this month's internationals, scored United's opener in Chisinau.
Ronaldo was approached by a supporter, who appeared to ask for a photo, as he made his way down the tunnel at half-time. The Portugal skipper waved his arm in the fan's direction to let them know it wasn't the time or place for a selfie.
Ronaldo was well within his rights to decline the photo, as footballers do not usually interact with fans during games. The veteran forward could've been accused of being disrespectful to United's opponents Sheriff if he agreed to a photo at that time.
Yet Ronaldo has been criticised by fans on social media for his dismissive attitude towards the supporter, as many believe the gesture he made with his arm was impolite.
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Despite the incident, Ronaldo and his United teammates will leave Moldova happy after picking up their first European win of the season. The Red Devils lost 1-0 to Real Sociedad at Old Trafford in the Europa League opener last week.
Ten Hag has admitted Ronaldo is close to being fully fit. The Portuguese superstar had a difficult pre-season - missing United's tour of Thailand and Australia - and has struggled to get up to speed with Ten Hag's relentless style of play.
"He is really close," said Ten Hag. "when he gets more fitness, he will score more. He's totally committed to this project, totally involved. He also has connections that are coming around him - and he is constructing connections - so I'm happy with that."
On United's performance, Ten Hag added: "After the first 10 minutes we found our formation. We were more secure, we had some good movements on the ball in the middle of the park, we kept the ball and in right moments we split up, we make a great goal with Jadon Sancho.
"We did that more in this season, like Arsenal, many players involved in making a goal. So if we can keep this going, more quantity of such occasions, [then] we are in a good way."
On Sancho's goal, Ten Hag said: "Sancho, in preparing the goal with Bruno, he was in the centre-forward position. We did some experiments this night, bringing Tyrell [Malacia] on the right and Luke [Shaw] on the left. That’s two good moves, we can be very able and we need that in the season."
