The rise of Manchester City is kind of a fairytale as they are now backed up by one of the wealthiest Arab nations in the world with plenty of money to spend on signing world-class soccer players and managers, which gave them consecutive trophies like the EPL, FA Cup, and others. Erling Halland, who plays a key role for City in every game they play, could serve as a prime illustration herein.
The reigning champion will therefore have to deal with threats from their rival, Manchester United, in today’s meeting at Etihad Stadium.
Why did Erling Haaland admonish United before the Manchester City vs Manchester United game?
Having 11 Premier League goals after seven games, Erling Haaland has had nothing short of a sensational beginning to his career at Manchester City, and with his self-assurance and stern demeanor allowing him to brush off any possible adaptation jitters, the Norwegian appears certain to dominate the race for the Golden Boot in the upcoming months.
This Saturday, when Manchester City hosts Manchester United at the Etihad, he will play in his first Manchester derby, and the 22-year-old will have mixed memories of watching derby games as a kid. Alfie Inge, the father of Haaland, was notably singled out by Roy Keane in their derby match back in 2001, and his son was given the opportunity to get retribution if he could lead City to victory.
Haaland has unavoidably adopted a crucial aspect of defending the Citizens: loathing Manchester United by his words. His father was a renowned Man City player, and he then asserted that Manchester United was the team he was most looking forward to performing against during his summer presentation and didn’t hold back in expressing his contempt for them.
Upon hearing questions from the journalist, Haaland then explained, “I don’t want to say the words, but…Manchester United, I was born in England. I have been a City fan my whole life. I know a lot about the club.”
It is assumed that Erling Haaland was born and raised rooting for the team and knowing which side to dislike because his father had prior professional experience playing for City, and he is also aware of the iconic tackle his father endured during a Manchester derby, and he plans to get revenge on him by scoring several goals.
Meanwhile, United manager Eric Ten Hag is also rooting for a victory over his club’s city rival, and he could also gain added advantage over Guardiola’s team if his defenders can deliver a top-notch performance against Haaland, Silva, De Bruyne, and others.
