Cristiano Ronaldo debate is missing his biggest Manchester United issue

The amateur body language experts were out in force again on Friday at the sight of Cristiano Ronaldo wrapping his arms around Anthony Elanga after the teenager missed the decisive penalty against Middlesbrough.

Ronaldo consoled a distraught Elanga as they headed towards the Old Trafford tunnel, with the 19-year-old's penalty handing victory to Boro on another humiliating night in Manchester United's season.

Ronaldo has often been the first player down that tunnel this season and his frustrated body language after poor results, as well as his angry reaction to being substituted at Brentford in January, has been the source of much debate.

Almost every time United have stumbled this season Ronaldo has raced straight towards the dressing room and away dayers have become accustomed to not seeing him in front of their end at the final whistle. He did the same at the Brentford Community Stadium after visibly showing his frustration at Ralf Rangnick's decision to take him off, hurling a training jacket to the floor and continuing the debate from the steps of the dugout.

But the 37-year-old has also displayed the kind of no-nonsense leadership United fans are calling for. His criticism of the mentality of some of the club's younger players went down well amongst a frustrated fanbase and came after he tried to help them. His treatment of Elanga on Friday showed Ronaldo at his best. His penalty in normal time could have settled matters in 90 minutes and he spoke from experience in reassuring the academy graduate.

In many ways, however, the debate around Ronaldo's body language is missing the point. A born winner who can't hide his frustration or a soloist throwing a tantrum when things aren't going well? As long as he's