Portugal enjoyed a memorable victory last night, dismantling the Czech Republic 4.0, to put them on top of the Nations League semi-finals.
It was a particularly eventful evening for Manchester United stars Diogo Dalot, Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo, who all enjoyed a night of mixed fortunes.
Dalot and Fernades enjoyed excellent displays, with Dalot bagging a brace, including a cult effort from 25 yards. Fernandes grabbed one for himself and helped his clubmates in second place.
Dalot: Two goals ⚽️⚽️Fernandes: One goal, one assist ⚽️ ????Ronaldo: One assist ????
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— United Update (@UnitedsUpdate) September 25, 2022
Dalot continued his excellent form at the start of the season and now looks like he is well on his way to reaching his full potential.
Now a mainstay at Erik Ten Hag’s United, Dalot’s confidence is high, proving to be a real asset to club and country.
Bruno Fernandes is also putting his poor form from last season behind him. An orderly finish from a late run into the box put Portugal in control and two up on the night.
Despite the result, it was not the best of nights for Cristiano Ronaldo, whose difficult start to the season continued in Prague.
Ronaldo vs Czech Republic:
6.7 @SofaScoreINT Rating1 Assist3 Shots Deflected1 Shot Blocked1 Big Chance Missed37 Touches84.6% Passing Acc3 Key Passes0/1 Cross1 Big Chance Created0/1 Field Duel1/2 Aerial Duel7 Pos Missed2 Fouls1 Clearance1 Penalty Awarded#mufc
— RedReveal (@RedReveal) September 24, 2022
The all-time leading international goalscorer squandered a couple of dazzling chances and took a penalty a handball. Patrik Schick gave him a break by slamming the bar.
The Portuguese captain also suffered a nasty clash with the Czech goalkeeper, leaving him with a bloody face.
Ronaldo continues to look bad; Having failed to engineer a move away from Old Trafford in the summer, he has failed to make his way into Ten Hag’s first eleven so far this season.
The Manchester derby is in a week, and it would be a surprise to see Ronaldo star, given his form and Ten Hag’s preference for a flowing forward line.
However, the form of Dalot and Fernandes is a real boost for the United manager, whose team will need a strong performance at the Etihad to continue their impressive domestic resurgence.
