Cristiano Ronaldo repeats unique nickname for Diogo Dalot after Portugal brace

For once, Cristiano Ronaldo was outshone on international duty for Portugal.

Not one but two of his Manchester United colleagues borrowed the limelight in the impressive 4-0 Nations League win over Czech Republic.

Bruno Fernandes' presence on the scoresheet will have come as little surprise to United fans given his penchant for goals. But the sight of defender Diogo Dalot scoring a brace will have left more than a few people wondering if it was some kind of mistake.

Dalot, 23, has only ever scored once for United - back in a 6-1 FA Cup thumping of Tranmere in 2020.

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But he certainly had his shooting boots on in his latest outing for his country. He notched two well-taken strikes either side of half-time in a thoroughly convincing performance. And Ronaldo was clearly impressed with his colleague, taking to Instagram to praise his compatriot.

The 37-year-old replied to Dalot's post by writing: "piteusinho goleador".

The first term is roughly translated as to "little pittie." whilst goleador is Portuguese for 'goalscorer'. While there's no English equivalent of "pittie," it's been suggested that it roughly means 'little pitbull'. Ronaldo has previously referred to Dalot in this way before.

It is not the first time Ronaldo has used the nickname to describe his teammate. Ronaldo also commented on one of Dalot's Instagram photos showing the right-back ahead of United's opening Europa League match of the season against Real Sociedad at the beginning of September with the nickname.

Dalot will be hoping to take his fine form into Portugal's meeting with Spain on Tuesday and then the Manchester derby on Sunday.

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