Dalot scores first senior goals for Portugal

Saturday 24 September 2022 21:56

Manchester United right-back Diogo Dalot scored his first-ever senior goals for Portugal on Saturday night, notching a brace in the 4-0 away win over Czech Republic in the UEFA Nations League.

The defender, who has been in scintillating form of late, was in the right place at the right time to give Portugal the lead over the hosts and break his international duck, and was congratulated by his Selecao team-mates, including fellow Reds Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes.

Our very own maestro, Fernandes, made it 2-0 just before the break, timing his run to perfection to connect with Mario Rui’s low centre to put Portugal firmly in the driving seat.

Just after half-time, the two goalscorers linked up to make it 3-0, with Fernandes passing to Dalot before the right-back fired in a brilliant left-footed effort from just outside the box.

The United team-mates' link-up emulated that of our trip to Southampton earlier in the season, where Dalot turned provider for Fernandes’s superb volley at St Mary's.

In the latter stages, Ronaldo also contributed to Portugal's emphatic victory, assisting for substitute Diogo Jota as the forward made it 4-0.

Dalot's brace continues his rich vein of form, and the defender has been one of the standout beneficiaries of Erik ten Hag’s management this season.

The right-back forms one quarter of the recently formidable United back-four, alongside Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane, and is going from strength to strength under our Dutch boss.

The 23-year-old’s rich passion for defending is apparent, and he has also started to weigh in at the other end of the pitch too, with two assists so far this season.

Our back four’s battling performance Video

Our back four’s battling performance

Don’t miss the best bits by Diogo Dalot, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Tyrell Malacia…

Next up for Portugal is a hotly anticipated clash with close rivals Spain on Tuesday in Braga, before Dalot and co return to United for the resumption of Premier League action.

Dalot, Fernandes, and Ronaldo will surely be targeting victory for their nation, to end the international break in the best way possible and carry that form back into their performances for United.

One man who will surely be hoping they can do so is Erik ten Hag, starting with our clash with Manchester City on Sunday 2 October.

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