Cristiano Ronaldo has responded on social media after Manchester United striker Rasmus Højlund replicated his iconic celebration following a goal for Denmark.

Portugal suffered a late setback as Højlund struck in the 78th minute to secure a 1-0 victory for Denmark in the first leg of their Nations League quarter-final at Parken Stadium on Thursday. The goal helped redeem Christian Eriksen, whose first-half penalty had been saved.

Roberto Martínez's Portugal now faces the challenge of overturning a one-goal deficit in Sunday's second leg if they are to progress to the semi-finals. However, former Manchester United legend Ronaldo remains confident about his side's chances in Lisbon.

"We have 90 minutes to turn it around," Ronaldo wrote on Instagram in Portuguese. Issuing a message of intent to Denmark's players, he added: "Roll on Portugal!"

Højlund’s goal came shortly after he ended a 23-game goal drought for United with a strike against Leicester City on Sunday. The Danish forward has since clarified the reason behind his imitation of Ronaldo’s signature celebration while on international duty.

"I’m playing against the world’s best footballer, my idol, and to score a goal and win the match... it couldn’t be better," United’s No.11 told TV2 via Fotbollskanalen.

Dismissing any notion of disrespect, Højlund explained: "It’s for my idol. It’s not like I’m mocking him or anything. I’ve always said he has had a huge influence on me and my football career.

"It’s perhaps a bit ambivalent, but scoring against him and Portugal is a massive moment. I was there in 2009 when he scored from a free kick, and I’ve been a fan ever since."

Højlund also faced his United teammates Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot, both of whom started Thursday’s match.

The winner of the tie will go on to face either Italy or Germany in the semi-finals this summer.