Former Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim was forced to step in to prevent two of his players from 'fighting' last year
Ruben Amorim
Ruben Amorim issued a stern warning to his players(Image: Getty Images)
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It is nearly a year to the day since Ruben Amorim momentarily channelled Tommy Shelby to issue a sharp warning to his Manchester United players: "NO. F***ING. FIGHTING."
In the opening leg of United's Europa League clash with Real Sociedad last season, Rasmus Hojlund and Diogo Dalot were on the verge of clashing after Dalot chose not to square the ball to Hojlund, who was poised for a simple tap-in.
Amid an 18-game goal drought, the Danish forward reacted angrily to the squandered chance, throwing his arms up in frustration before directing a stream of stern words at his team-mate. Dalot retaliated, and the confrontation briefly threatened to boil over before emotions eventually settled.
Speaking after the match, Amorim encouraged his players to keep their emotions under control. "The important thing is to move on and not be fighting," he said.
"I'm just imagining Diogo didn't know for sure that Rasmus had the advantage and he felt that he had a lot of time to think of the play. It was a clear position, Rasmus did really well, Dalot did really well, but the decision was not the best."
The incident was ultimately put to bed when Joshua Zirkzee fired United in front shortly after the restart. That lead did not last long, however, as Real Sociedad equalised from the penalty spot soon after. United, though, cruised the return fixture at Old Trafford, storming to a 4-1 win, with Dalot getting on the scoresheet.
A year later, the paths of Hojlund and Dalot have diverged significantly. After scoring only four Premier League goals across 32 appearances last season, United seemed ready to move on from the Danish striker, spending £74million on Benjamin Sesko in the summer transfer window.
Rasmus Hojlund shouting at Diogo Dalot
Hojlund was furious with Dalot during United's clash with Real Sociedad(Image: Getty Images)
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Hojlund was then sent on loan to Napoli for the season, where he has regained his confidence and form in front of goal. He currently tops the club's scoring list with 13 goals in all competitions, while ex-United midfielder Scott McTominay follows with 10.
At the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, Hojlund is averaging a league goal every 0.4 matches - a clear improvement on the 0.2 he recorded at Old Trafford.
He is still contracted to United and scheduled to return to Manchester once the season ends, but with Sesko hitting form, the likelihood of Hojlund remaining at Old Trafford by the summer transfer deadline day appears slim.
Diogo Dalot celebrates with Rasmus Hojlund
Dalot and Hojlund otherwise had a good relationship(Image: Getty Images)
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Dalot, meanwhile, has continued to feature regularly in United's starting line-up despite changes in the dugout. The Portugal international was a dependable figure under Amorim, typically operating as either a right or left wing-back.
Following Amorim's exit in January, interim boss Michael Carrick has maintained that trust. After switching back to a four-man defence, Carrick has reinstated the 26-year-old in his preferred right-back role, where his steady performances and tactical awareness have made him a dependable choice.
Overall, Dalot is approaching 250 appearances for Manchester United, having firmly established himself as a regular starter over the last five seasons.
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