Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney jumped to Cristiano Ronaldo's defence during last night's halftime bust-up at Newcastle.

The Daily Express says Rooney was at the heart of the tunnel row involving Toon defender Steven Taylor.

United striker Rooney took exception to Taylor's attempted forearm smash on Ronaldo just before half-time and was overhead in the tunnel saying to Taylor: "You've always been a s*** footballer."

The Newcastle defender responded with: "I might be a s*** player but at least I'm not ugly like you. You'll always be ugly."

They lunged at Taylor but were restrained by team-mate Rio Ferdinand as tempers flared.