Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney was quick to highlight card waving Roberto Mancini last night. City manager Mancini waved an imaginary card at Wigan defender Maynor Figueroa after a handball late into their win at the DW.

This prompted Rooney to tweet: 'Was manchini [sic] asking for red card????'

Mancini criticised Rooney for doing the same thing during the rivals' FA Cup tie last weekend and the Manchester United striker took to Twitter while watching the game at home on TV.

Mancini, though, defended himself and suggested that it was OK for managers to make the gesture because they are not close enough to influence the referee.

The City boss said: "I used to do this but I don't want to say anything. Wayne Rooney did this. It is normal with a chance like that to do it.

"I am on the bench. When you are near to the referee you can have more of an influence. I am on the bench and the referee cannot see me."