The referee pointed to the spot in the game's 60th minute following a fair Jlloyd Samuel tackle on Cristiano Ronaldo, and the Portuguese successfully converted paving way for United's 2-1 win.

After the game Bolton manager Gary Megson seemed disillusioned with the decision. However, Styles cooled off the conflict by apologizing to both Megson and Bolton fans.

Styles' apology was praised by United boss Alex Ferguson, who earlier admitted that the penalty call was a mistake.

"Rob takes a lot of credit. It helps in terms of him showing some humility towards the game and that's the most important thing," Ferguson was quoted as saying by BBC.

"It is good he has apologized. It presents him in a different light. It shows he has character and is big enough to do it."

Watch Cristiano Ronaldo's dive against Bolton