Roy Keane performs U-turn on Erling Haaland and issues new demand to Man City star
Roy Keane claims the "penny is now dropping" for Erling Haalandafter their bitter war of words. Keane and the Manchester City striker have been wrapped up in a back-and-forth exchange since the Man United icon compared his build-up play to a League Two player.
Haaland certainly made the Red Devils icon eat his words on Sunday afternoon in the Manchester Derby. He netted a brace in City's 3-0 success against rivals Man United at the Etihad Stadium.
And his afternoon could have been even more productive having hit the post and teed up teammate Tijjani Reijnders for another opportunity.
Haaland's performance appears to have forced Keane to change his mind having joked that Haaland's hold-up play is not on par with second-tier players.
Speaking after City's emphatic victory on Sunday afternoon, Keane said: "Excellent. He's Championship now.
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"There's no doubt about that (Haaland is a world class striker), I've never said that. But some of his general play...is is improving of course. He's 25 now yeah, the penny is dropping. Got to be more about the team as well."
Meanwhile, Keane was also full of praise for Haaland's defensive work. He added: "We know Haaland's strengths. You have one of the best strikers in the world running from the halfway line and there was never any doubt he was going to finish it.
"He probably could have scored a few more. You talk about a team player, you have to give him praise for coming back and doing a good job defensively."
Haaland now has five goals from just four Premier League appearances in what is turning into yet another productive campaign. And he appears to have heeded Keane's warning.
Speaking originally in March 2024 after a display against Arsenal, Keane said: "In front of goal he's the best in the world, but his general play is so poor. He's almost like a League Two player - that's the way I look at him. His general play has to improve."
Haaland had a brutal response to Keane, having completely dismissed his comments. He replied: "I don't really care that much about that man, so that's all right."
Haaland will certainly be aiming to extend his excellent form over the next week. City get their Champions League campaign underway against Italian giants Napoli ahead of next week's showdown with Arsenal.
Speaking about his striker's form, City boss Guardiola said: "Erling has been incredible since the start but this season he is better than ever. I would say better than the Treble year. He's dynamic and I don't judge him for the clearance, we want him to score goals and to help us."
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