Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo invites extra attention from defenders because of his "arrogance".

Wenger said: "With Manchester United I am a bit cautious because sometimes I feel they get too much protection and sometimes they don't get enough.

"Ronaldo is a specific example of that. Sometimes his arrogance is provocative, and his class as well.

"I don't want to create a debate but when a player is not protected it's not right. When there is a bad tackle you have to be punished and sent off."

Not for the first time, Wenger's view is at odds with that of United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who believes his player has been singled out recently by officials.

The Portugal international has been booked twice for diving recently and Ferguson said: "Ronaldo is an easy target for the referees. It is easy to give decisions against him because he is such a great player and he is so celebrated.

"When he is away from home every crowd boos him, so he has to handle that. But it is not helping him."