Erling Haaland finally responds to Roy Keane's 'League Two player' criticism

04/05/2024 21:44

Erling Haaland has dismissed Roy Keane's criticism of him after the Manchester United legend described his general play as that of a 'League Two player'.

The Norwegian scored four times as Manchester City thrashed Wolves on Saturday, a result which reduces the gap between them and Arsenal to just a single point again.

It takes his haul for the season to 36 goals in 41 appearances but despite that return, the 23-year-old has faced criticism at stages this campaign.

Haaland endured a quiet afternoon in a goalless draw against Arsenal at the end of March, missing a golden opportunity late on in the match after failing to connect with the ball.

In his post-match punditry that day, former United midfielder Keane insisted the Man City star must improve his general play.

'The levels of his general play are so poor,' Keane told Sky Sports.

He has to improve that. He is almost like a League Two player.

'His general play has to improve but it will over the next couple of years. He’s a brilliant striker but he has to improve his all-round game.’

Haaland was asked about Keane’s comments following his majestic performance against Wolves by Viaplay.

The striker simply responded: ‘I don’t care about that man’.

Keane of course has history with the Haalands, clashing with Erling’s father Alife during their playing days.

In 2001, Keane hit Haaland with a horrific challenge that he would later reveal in his autobiography was pre-meditated.

In his book, Keane explained it was an act of retribution, having felt wronged by Haaland who accused him of feigning injury four years earlier while he was laying prone having suffered a cruciate ligament injury.