Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot managed to get onto the scoresheet in the team’s win over Brighton.
Diogo Dalot does not score a lot of goals, but this has been his most productive season yet. His strike against Brighton was his third of the season, adding to the five assists he has also contributed.
This has been useful for United, but his reliability and leadership have stood out more so. The defender gave another example of this, speaking following the team’s victory.
Dalot explained how he had been giving advice to striker Rasmus Hojlund, who was left on the bench as United looked to rest him ahead of the FA Cup final.
Dalot explains advice to Hojlund
Diogo Dalot scored Manchester United‘s first goal, with Rasmus Hojlund coming on as a substitute to net the team’s second.
Speaking to MUTV, Dalot explained that he had offered some words of encouragement to Hojlund in his unfamiliar role as a substitute.
He encouraged Hojlund to stay sharp, for however long he was needed, and he believes it is a role that the Dane has adapted to well.
Dalot said: “Whether you go on the bench, whether you start the game, you need to be ready, fresh.
“As soon as you come on, if it’s five minutes, one minute, 15, 20, and he’s been showing especially in his last two games he gives energy to the team.
“He’s fresh, he’s strong, he’s winning duels. This is the Rasmus that I want to see the whole season and I’m really happy.”
Hojlund has momentum
Rasmus Hojlund has demonstrated he can go hot and cold, and he was red hot at the start of 2024 before his injury.
Since his injury he has struggled to recapture that form, going on a streak of just on goal in 10 matches.
However, he now has two goals in his last two games, to take his season tally up to 16 goals, where he is now the outright leading goalscorer again.
Importantly, Hojlund has momentum, at a crucial time, with Manchester United now looking towards the FA Cup Final.
He has rediscovered his confidence, partly thanks 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.