'It bothers me' - Patrick Dorgu accuses 'clever' Cristiano Ronaldo of diving to win penalty in Portugal's Nations League win over Denmark

The Danes held a narrow 1-0 lead heading into the second leg of their UEFA Nations League quarter-final encounter with CR7 and Co. Portugal were always going to be looking for a fast start in Lisbon, and were given an early opportunity to restore aggregate parity from the spot.

Dorgu was accused of pulling Ronaldo to the ground, presenting the five-time Ballon d’Or winner with a golden opportunity to convert from 12 yards. The all-time great surprisingly fluffed his lines, as he rolled a tame effort into the arms of Kasper Schmeichel, but did eventually get on the scoresheet in a thrilling contest that Portugal won 5-2 after extra-time.

Promising wing-back Dorgu, who moved to Old Trafford in the winter transfer window, believes that Ronaldo played the match officials in earning his penalty. The 20-year-old told TV2: “Cristiano Ronaldo is clever. He knows how to win a penalty.

“I don't feel like I grabbed him too hard and I think there was more contact in other situations in the game. I just put my hand on his arm and he threw himself to the ground. It was a good play from him.

“Of course it bothers me a little bit. But we played for 90 minutes and I think I gave a good response. I'm not going to let a penalty affect me so early in the game. I have to be more careful and learn from it.”

Ronaldo has now reached 136 international goals, and will be off to the Nations League finals in June, while Dorgu is heading back to England as United attempt to end what has been a hugely frustrating 2024-25 campaign on a positive note.