Erling Haaland is adopting Pep Guardiola’s attitude as he looks forward to a ‘special moment’ of playing in his first Manchester derby.
Erling Haaland said: “It would be special to score against United, but it would also be special to score against Copenhagen on Wednesday and Southampton next weekend. My focus is on every game because if I am scoring goals and playing well it means it is going to help the team achieve our aims this season. It is another game, but I also know that derby games are so much more intense. These games mean everything to the fans. It is the first time I have played in the Manchester derby after watching so many on TV with my father and I cannot wait. It will be a special moment for me.”
Haaland’s family and the club have chipped in to help the player acclimatise to life in Manchester, with one physio even accompanying him to Norway for international fixtures to maintain his fitness regime. A video of United fans shouting to the Blues star in the city centre to join United went viral as it played into the striker’s curious and quirky character. The player himself is delighted with how he has been able to settle in Manchester and the way that he has been treated both inside and outside of the City Football Academy.
Erling Haaland said: “My welcome has been amazing. Manchester is an incredible city with people who love football. The fans and the players, staff and coaches at the club have been great and they have made me feel so at home here.”
