ERLING HAALAND’s horror stats in Saturday’s defeat at Manchester United show Man City are BETTER without him.
That’s the astonishing verdict of former Etihad midfielder Didi Hamann – even if the striker manages 40 goals this season.
Haaland had just 19 touches, including only three in the United box, and was off-target with both his two goal attempts in a 2-1 loss.
Sub Jack Grealish headed City in front on the hour but Bruno Fernandes levelled controversially and Marcus Rashford sent Old Trafford wild by sweeping home a Red Devils’ winner.
Pep Guardiola’s champs are now five points behind leaders Arsenal, who have a game in hand against Spurs tomorrow.
And Hamann responded by posting on social media: “Man City was a better team without Haaland, even if he scores 40 goals this season.”
And although a few fans scoffed at the German’s opinion, many agreed that the Norway hero DOESN’T suit City’s possession-based playing style.
One said: “True, he is a monster of a player, great goal scorer, but if he isn’t on fire City have no Plan B.
“Having that obvious focal point in a team costs you points in the long run.”
Another wrote: “Agreed. Very very few teams ever win tons with a singular major goalscorer. Needs to be spread around so the opposition have lots to think about.”
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One simply posted: “The way City play doesn’t suit him.”
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It was even argued that Sir Alex Ferguson’s United eventually suffered for the same reason when Dutch master Ruud van Nistelrooy was their targetman.
One social media user said: “Happened at United w/ van Nistelrooy in early 2000s.”
Similar views flowed in as fans discussed whether Haaland’s brilliant finishing made up for possible flaws in his link-play.
Such a view was: “This tactic of getting a 9 means these teams are too open and concede possession.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
