The Sun revealed on Thursday that the Portuguese was angered when Taylor hit him on the cheek especially that the defender got away with only a yellow card.

The World player of the year responded by hitting at Taylor on the players' way to the dressing rooms at half-time by calling him a 'rubbish footballer'.

The British paper added that in return, Taylor called Ronaldo an ugly guy.

Despite the incident, 24-year-old Ronaldo helped United overcome Newcastle in the game's second half to win the clash 2-1.

During the same game, an elbow from Newcastle striker Obefemi Martins caused United defender Nemanja Vidic a deep cut below his eye.

The Red Devils are currently leading the Premiership table with 65 points, seven ahead of second and third-placed Chelsea and Liverpool.