Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has just made a decision ahead of Sunday’s big derby that Manchester City striker Erling Haaland will surely love.
Manchester City host Manchester United this Sunday, with both sides eager to get all three points after slow starts in their respective campaigns.
The Citizens have lost their last two Premier League games, while the Red Devils are on four points and were also knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Grimsby.
However, one of the players Ruben Amorim has confirmed will start in Sunday’s derby will surely be easy pickings for Erling Haaland.
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Manchester United v Burnley - Premier League
Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images
Erling Haaland set to go up against Altay Bayindir
Man United’s goalkeeping department, much like that of Man City, has seen changes over the summer.
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Both clubs have dispensed with their first-choice keepers from last season, with Andre Onana going to Trabzonspor and Ederson joining Fenerbahce.
However, while City signed the world’s best goalkeeper in Gianluigi Donnarumma, along with James Trafford, United landed Semme Lammens, who is still very raw.
Furthermore, Amorim confirmed ahead of the game that Altay Bayindir would play against Man City on Sunday, rather than Lammens.
This is good news for Haaland and the rest of City’s front line, because Bayindir hasn’t exactly been a wall for Man United this season.
The 27-year-old is vulnerable on corners, as seen against Arsenal and Fulham, while his outing against Burnley saw him concede on both occasions he was put under pressure.
Meanwhile, Haaland is a 6ft 5in giant who boasts a powerful physique and superb aerial ability, not to mention he has no problem scoring with his head.
As far as match-ups go, Haaland vs Bayindir is not what you would call evenly matched, and there’s a good chance the Norwegian will feast on Sunday.
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How Erling Haaland has fared against Manchester United in the past
Haaland has faced Man United eight times over the course of his career, with Sunday set to be his ninth outing against the Red Devils.
The 25-year-old failed to score against United last season, but even so, he has six goals from five Premier League appearances against the arch-rivals.
Competition Appearances Wins Draws Losses Goals Assists
Premier League 5 3 0 2 6 3
Community Shield 1 1 0 0 – –
FA Cup 2 1 0 1 – –
Total 8 5 – 3 6 3
Erling Haaland record vs Manchester United
Haaland will be hoping for more of the same this weekend and, with Bayindir between the sticks, City will surely fancy their chances of victory.