Fans jeered during the break when a replay was shown, although Premier League rules state that replays of controversial moments must be avoided.

Clause 40 of Section I reads: “The screen shall not be used to show action replays of negative or controversial incidents” or “any incident which may bring into question the judgement of a match official”.

Spurs are likely to be warned about the use of their two “jumbo” screens at White Hart Lane rather than face sanctions or a fine.

A Premier League spokesman said: “We will wait for the match officials report before taking any decision on this matter.”

After winning the penalty, Ronaldo scored from the spot to set United on their way to a 4-0 victory and restore their lead at the top of the table to six points over Chelsea.

Mark Clattenburg awarded the penalty when the Portugal winger burst between Malbranque and Young-Pyo Lee.

Lee said: “Me and Steed didn’t touch him. I think he dived, I don’t know why he fell, it’s a great pity.

“All the Tottenham players were angry and I can’t understand why some players do something like that.”

Defeat left Spurs in 11th place, 13 points away from the Champions League places and 13 points ahead of West Ham in the relegation zone.

“The game was very important to us because we wanted to get back into the top 10,” added South Korea full-back Lee.

“If we’d won this match we’d have gone up to seventh or eighth but it was very difficult. We have many matches left in the season and I hope we can still finish very well.

“We will keep going and look forward. We have a very good squad and are still in two cup competitions so there is still a lot for the fans to be positive about.”