Benzema: is he a Man Utd fan?

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema took to Instagram on Sunday to post a photograph of himself and his daughter, Melia, sleeping in each other's arms.

It's a touching image from Benzema's personal life that would have had no greater social media impact than normal - had it not been for what can be seen in the background.

Because it certainly did not go unnoticed by Benzema's followers that, lying on his bedside table, is an object on which the Manchester United club crest is clearly visible.

The photo set Real fans' alarm bells ringing and sparked excited speculation among United supporters, with his former boss, José Mourinho, set to take over at Old Trafford.

However - and perhaps to nip any rumours of a move to the Red Devils in the bud - he swiftly published a photo of himself celebrating a goal for Madrid, with the caption: "R.M. Forever".