Bruno Fernandes has sent a message to Diogo Dalot ahead of their Manchester United reunion this week.
United defender Dalot is currently on a season-long loan at AC Milan and is eligible to face his parent club in the Europa League under the terms of the deal.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's men take on Milan at Old Trafford in the first leg of their last 16 tie on Thursday (5.55pm kick-off).
United then travel to Italy next week for the return leg at the San Siro.
Dalot has made 20 appearances for Milan to date - and started seven of their eight Europa League games so far.
The 21-year-old full-back warmed up for the United tie by scoring a goal and keeping a clean sheet as Milan beat Verona 2-0 in Serie A on Sunday.
That result keeps them in touch with leaders Inter Milan, though they remain six points behind their rivals in second place.
After the Verona game, Dalot posted a photograph on Instagram of him celebrating his goal, along with the caption: "Hard work always pays off."
Fernandes replied to his Portuguese compatriot, in Italian, saying: "What a goal you scored!"
The congratulatory message was followed by starry eyed and exploding head emojis.
Dalot responded by saying: "Thanks brother. I’ll see you Thursday!"
United signed Dalot from Porto for £19million in 2018 and his current contract runs until 2023.
United have the option of an additional year but the youngster made only seven starts for the club last season - and just one of those coming in the Premier League.
Since joining United from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020, Fernandes has made 63 appearances in all competitions, scoring 35 goals and providing 21 assists.
He was on target with an early penalty as United beat Manchester City 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
That ended City's 21-match winning streak and cut their lead at the top of the table to 11 points.
