Erling Haaland insists that he 'really doesn't care' about Roy Keane after silencing his critics with FOUR goals against Wolves.
The Manchester City talisman led the charge as Pep Guardiola's side maintained their status as favourites in the Premier League title race, romping to a 5-1 home win. Haaland, 23, netted a first-half hat-trick before bagging his fourth just before the hour mark.
His haul comes just over a month after Manchester United legend Keane compared Haaland to a 'League Two striker' when it comes to his all-round play. Those comments riled Haaland's family, as dad Alf Inge had two infamous run-ins with Keane during their playing days.
Now the 23-year-old has responded to Keane's criticism, saying after putting Wolves to the sword: "I don't really care that much about that man, so that's all right. I don't care, we just have to win our games and now, relax tonight and focus on Fulham."
Haaland recently endured a patchy run of form while carrying an injury which saw him miss two games following City's bruising Champions League exit. Back on the bench last Sunday against Nottingham Forest, the Norwegian marksman came on as a second-half substitute and bagged a goal in clinical fashion.
After being picked from the start against Wolves, Haaland got "back to business," according to his boss. "Penalties are a guarantee (for him) but the second and fourth were unbelievable," Guardiola, whose reigning champions are one point behind title rivals Arsenal but have a game in hand, hailed.
"The 20 minutes he [Haaland] played against Nottingham Forest was really good and today as well. Winning the title on goal difference is not possible, so we cannot draw a game. The way Arsenal have been playing has been so good and consistent.
Your turn! Do you agree with Roy Keane's comments? Let us know your opinion in the comments section
"It's three games, hopefully we win the first and the second and arrive to the third with our destiny in our own hands. Nine points we will be champions. If it's seven, six or three points then Arsenal will win the Premier League."
The 2023 Golden Boot winner was eventually subbed off with eight minutes of normal time remaining and cut a frustrated figure while sitting on the bench. Guardiola, though, says that Haaland was angry with referee Anthony Taylor - not him.
"He was frustrated with the referee," the City manager explained. "With the long balls sometimes they push him and he is pulled. He went down and sometimes it was no foul. It happens every game a lot of times. He was just a bit frustrated for these actions but I can guarantee how happy he was today."
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.