Pranav Nair
Manchester United stars Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes were on target as Portugal defeated the Czech Republic 4-0
According to BBC, Manchester United duo Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes were both on target as Portugal retook the top spot in their UEFA Nations League group with a thumping 4-0 win over the Czech Republic.
The home side were a potential banana skin for the Selecao but thanks to the brilliance of the Red Devils’ stars in their midst, Fernando Santos’s side came out trumps. Portugal are now also the first team to stop the Czech from scoring in a Nations League fixture on their home turf.
Dalot in particular has been one of our best performers this season with Erik ten Hag preferring the 23-year-old over Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Given how he performed last night, it is clear to see why.
Dalot opened the scoring for Portugal in the first half, giving them the advantage just after the half-hour mark. Bruno Fernandes also joined in, making the score 2-0 in first-half stoppage time.
The duo combined once again in the second half, this time Fernandes setting up Dalot for his second goal of the night. The strike all but took the wind out of the Czech Republic’s sails and more or less settled the game.
Fernandes in particular looked like a player reborn in the 4-2-3-1 setup. With a double pivot behind him, the Red Devils’ star was afforded the freedom to push forward and he took full advantage of it.
Cristiano Ronaldo led the line for Portugal on the night but was arguably our worst representative on the field. The 37-year-old secured himself a late assist for Diogo Jota’s goal but was otherwise woefully off form.
Ronaldo also gave away a penalty that Patrick Schick contrived to miss. The Red Devils ace has largely spent the season on the branch at Old Trafford and based on the night’s performance, it is easy to see why.
More Manchester United News
- Atletico Madrid consider selling Manchester United target Jan Oblak in January
- Manchester United will trigger a contract extension clause if Marcus Rashford failed to agree new deal
- Lisandro Martinez was not worried about critics following bad start to season at Manchester United
It is good to see Man United’s top players impress on the international stage. This should only keep their morale intact as they return to club football in the coming days. Next task for the Red Devils? The small matter of the Manchester derby at the Etihad on October 2…
