This was useful for United, but his reliability and leadership stood out even more. The defender gave another example of this, speaking after the team’s victory.

Dalot explained how he had given advice to striker Rasmus Hojlund, who was left on the bench as United tried to rest him ahead of the FA Cup final.

Dalot explains advice to Hojlund

Diogo Dalot scored Manchester United’s first goal, while Rasmus Hojlund came on as a substitute and scored the team’s second goal.

Speaking to MUTV, Dalot explained that he had spoken some encouraging words to Hojlund in his unknown role as a replacement.

He encouraged Hojlund to stay sharp for however long he was needed, and he believes this is a role the Dane has adapted well to.

Dalot said: “Whether you go on the bench, whether you start the game, you have to be ready, fresh.

“As soon as you come on the field, whether it’s five minutes, one minute, fifteen, twenty minutes, and he has shown especially in his last two games that he brings energy to the team.

“He is fresh, he is strong, he wins duels. This is the Rasmus I want to see all season and I am very happy.”

Hojlund has momentum

Rasmus Hojlund has shown he can be hot or cold, and he was red hot in early 2024 before his injury.

Since his injury, he has struggled to recapture that form, scoring just once in ten games.

However, he has now scored two goals in his last two games, taking his total for the season to sixteen goals, making him the outright top scorer again.

Importantly, Hojlund has momentum at a crucial time, with Manchester United now looking towards the FA Cup final.

He has rediscovered his confidence, thanks in part to the support of his teammates, who have helped him through some unfair criticism, and he will be desperate to score at Wembley next week.

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