Saudi Pro League star Cristiano Ronaldo singled out one Manchester United player for praise during his sensational interview with TalkTV host Piers Morgan a year ago

Diogo Dalot struggled against Copenhagen on Wednesday (Image: Getty Images)

Paul Scholes believes Diogo Dalot was “caught sleeping” during Manchester United’s 4-3 defeat at Copenhagen on Wednesday.

Erik ten Hag’s side suffered a third defeat in four Champions League games thanks to a collapse in Denmark. The visitors established a two-goal lead after Rasmus Hojlund’s brace but were left in a precarious position after Marcus Rashford’s first-half red card.

Mohamed Elyounoussi and Diogo Goncalves scored on the stroke of half-time to make it 2-2 before Bruno Fernandes converted a penalty to restore United’s lead. But late goals from Lukas Lerager and 17-year-old Roony Bardghji snatched the win for Copenhagen.

Scholes believes Dalot was at fault for Lerager’s equaliser, which is slightly embarrassing for Cristiano Ronaldo. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner singled out Dalot for praise in his controversial interview with Piers Morgan a year ago, which led to his United exit.

Dalot failed to track Lerager, his marker, for Copenhagen’s third goal, allowing the midfielder to score a simple tap in. Scholes watched the game as a pundit for TNT Sports and was asked whether United crumbled in the last 10 minutes, when they conceded twice.

“Where I am disappointed and where they do slightly crumble is that when they concede one, there seems to be another straight away,” explained Scholes in his post-match analysis. “They had a 2-0 lead and it happened again and then they conceded in the 83rd minute, Dalot caught sleeping – he needs to be aware of where his attacking player is.

Dalot and Cristiano Ronaldo are good friends ( Image: Getty Images)

“I don’t feel like there is a character in the team. You need someone to say, we’ve conceded a goal, it’s OK but let’s make sure we don’t concede another one. There doesn’t seem to be a leader to stop that second goal from happening and they have paid the price.”

Scholes’ criticism comes after Ronaldo praised Dalot for his professionalism. The veteran forward singled out the young defender during his famous chat with Morgan, where he criticised several current and former United employees – including Ten Hag.

Ronaldo left Old Trafford by mutual consent within weeks of that interview and now plays his football in Saudi Arabia. “It’s a difficult question because all I can say is what I see from my eyes,” said Ronaldo when asked whose attitude he admires the most.

“If you ask me what I see in Manchester United, I can mention probably Dalot. Diogo Dalot is an example. He is young, but he is very, very professional. And I’m not doubting that he’s going to have longevity in football because he’s young, he’s smart, intelligent, and is very professional. You have a few more… but I will say Dalot.”