Manchester United’s Portuguese flyer Nani broke down in tears after he received his red card in his side’s Champions League defeat, it has been claimed.

In the balance

The 26-year-old was sent off by referee Cuneyt Cakir 60 minutes into their clash with Real Madrid when the score was still 1-0 to United. Madrid went on to score twice after he was handed his marching orders to take the tie.

A Sergio Ramos own goal had given the Red Devils the lead, before a scorcher from Luka Modric and a Cristiano Ronaldo goal consigned the home side to defeat.

The Daily Mail has reported that Nani was extremely upset in the dressing room after the final whistle, and that he made an emotional phone call to Portugal after the game.

Phone call home

A source is quoted as saying to the newspaper: “Nani was inconsolable. He was on the phone to Portugal sobbing, asking people if they thought he had done anything wrong.”

The sending off was the latest in a turbulent season for the player, who has endured considerable time on the United bench.

However, it is understood that he has the full backing of his team-mates following the incident, according to the newspaper

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho was left feeling deflated following his sides victory.

The former Chelsea and Porto boss was reported to have told friends that he wished that Madrid could have won the game in more convincing manner, the newspaper claims.