'I like to be around him' - Diogo Dalot opens up on Manchester United friendship with Antony

In the hours leading up to Manchester United's game at Nottingham Forest, Diogo Dalot and Antony made a pact. The latter was going to score and they were going to celebrate together.

Dalot was back in the starting XI after being benched for the last two games and Antony was on a high after the most consistent run of form in his United career. In the end, it worked out even better than they had hoped for.

Not only did Antony score, ending a Premier League drought dating back to October, but in the second half he added a rare assist, producing a brilliant run and pass for Dalot to seal the victory, sparking wild celebrations in the front of the away end.

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As the players dispersed back to their own half, Dalot and Antony celebrated together. For the Brazilian, it capped what might have been his best game for the club since his £85.5million move from Ajax last summer.

There have been moments in his first season at United where he was infuriated teammates. On Thursday he was mildly rebuked for Erik ten Hag by getting involved in a needless battle with Sevilla left-back Marcos Acuna.

Antony doesn't lack for personality on the pitch, however. Acuna was wound up by some showboating, but this week there has been substance added to the style and Dalot praised his credentials off the pitch as well as on it.

"It’s our thing," he said of the celebration. "I’m happy I have a good relationship with him, he’s a fantastic kid, I like to be around him."

There is less than a year in age between Antony and Dalot and sources say they have built up a strong connection in the squad and through the Portuguese-speaking contingent, including Casemiro, Fred, Bruno Fernandes and Victor