Walcott swapped shirts with Van Persie in the tunnel to avoid the wrath of Wenger and Gunners fans

Theo Walcott has avoided an Andre Santos-style backlash from Arsenal fans despite swapping shirts with Robin van Persie on Sunday.

                        Avoiding controversy: Walcott in Van Persie's United shirt which he picked up in the tunnel after the match

The Gunners forward was seen giving a post-match interview wearing a United shirt after the 1-1 draw.  

It belonged to his former Arsenal team-mate Van Persie, with the pair exchanging jerseys in the Emirates Stadium tunnel moments after the final whistle.

Santos was the subject of a furious reaction from supporters after making a beeline to Van Persie at half-time of the Gunners defeat at Old Trafford earlier in the season.

Criticised: Santos angered Wenger and Arsenal fans for asking Van Persie to swap shirts at half-time of Arsenal's 2-1 defeat by Manchester   United at Old Trafford last November

He made the approach in full view of TV cameras and Arsenal supporters.

The left back was also criticised by Arsene Wenger for his decision to approach Van Persie for his shirt.

Walcott's wise decision to swap shirts in private has helped avoid a similar storm.