ERLING HAALAND was inspired to a derby double by Manchester United fans mocking his father.
The Norwegian had chants of “Keano, Keano” directed at him and “Haaland, Haaland, how’s your dad?”
It was in reference to former Red Devils captain Roy Keane’s shocking derby challenge on Alfie Haaland in April 2001.
And Haaland Jr responded by scoring a penalty for the opener then heading a second after the break in a 3-0 win.
The City striker said: “There was so many people singing ‘Keano’ — I don’t know why! I used it as motivation.
“I had the pressure but I scored, so it was a fantastic feeling. I gave them a good celebration.”
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Haaland saluted his penalty in front of the home fans not far from the spot Keane had taken out his dad with that infamous challenge.
Former United skipper and midfielder Keane, 52, was watching the game as a Sky Sports pundit.
He joked the fans may have been chanting about his old Republic of Ireland team-mate Robbie Keane.
But there was nothing for United to laugh about after this Old Trafford rout, with Phil Foden grabbing the third.
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Asked if it was City’s best performance of the season so far, Haaland said: “I think so — in terms of controlling the game and playing the football we wanted to play.
“It was a fantastic performance, a controlled 90-minute game and every single City player had a fantastic performance.
“It was not easy but the way we kept going in the game was incredible.”
Haaland took his tally to 11 Premier League goals this season — as many as United’s whole squad put together.
Asked if beating City’s Manchester rivals makes this victory extra special, he added: “Of course. In the big picture it is three points.
“You need consistency throughout the season in the competition.
“There are still 84 points so it’s just about getting three points week in, week out.”
Bernardo Silva earned the man-of-the-match award and City boss Pep Guardiola hailed him as one of the best players he has ever worked with.
Guardiola said: “He doesn’t wear earrings or have tattoos and has a normal car.
“He is an incredible player for us. He loves to play at Old Trafford. He has played here as a false nine for us in the past.
“He is so intelligent. Everybody loves him and he played another exceptional performance.
“He is one of the best players I’ve seen in my life for how intelligent he is.”
Guardiola felt his side did everything right but for the opening minutes.
He said: “The players always give their best for our fans and we know what it means for them.
“The first ten minutes we lost easy balls but after that we took control.”
On Haaland, who rattled in 52 goals in all competitions last season, Pep added: “He could have scored four, he moves incredibly well in the box, we are lucky to have him.
“I know he scored 50 goals and people expect him to score 70. He’s a top, top player.”
City fans swarmed onto social media to also hail the way Haaland got his own back on home supporters.
One tweeted: “‘Haaland how’s your dad’. That is the most embarrassing thing I’ve ever heard.”
Another commented: “Chants of ‘Keano’ & ‘Haaland, hows your dad?’ from the Man United fans.”
A third said: “Haaland how’s your dad.. He’s ok thanks just sat watching the worlds [sic] most prolific goal scorer currently playing for Europes [sic] best football club.”
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This one posted: “Haaland will always love scoring at Old Trafford..”
And that one wrote: “Was they singing ‘Haaland how’s your dad?’ Well he was smiling and happy yesterday and I bet he’s absolutely loving life seeing his son score.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
