Erling Haaland returned to Manchester City in fine form after an extraordinary display for Norway in which he scored five goals in a single match. His prolific scoring ability continues to underline his status as one of the most reliable forwards in world football, and his dedication to performing at the highest level has made him indispensable for both club and country.
The striker has consistently demonstrated a remarkable work ethic, always striving to deliver whenever he takes to the pitch. This determination has proven vital for Manchester City, particularly at a time when the season has begun with challenges. Despite the early struggles, Haaland’s commitment and goalscoring instinct remain central to their prospects of success.
### Manchester City’s Early Season Pressure
Before the highly anticipated clash with Manchester United, City had endured a mixed start to their league campaign. With only one victory and two defeats from their opening three matches, the reigning champions were under pressure to secure a positive result against their local rivals. The need for momentum was evident, and Haaland’s form provided encouragement heading into the fixture.
Their opponents, United, had suffered an even more difficult start to the season. Determined to prevent further setbacks, the Red Devils approached the derby with the awareness of the challenge posed by City’s strength and particularly by Haaland’s presence. His performance against Moldova during the international break, where he delivered an emphatic message with his goalscoring brilliance, only served to heighten expectations.
### Guardiola’s Message to Haaland
Upon Haaland’s return from international duty, manager Pep Guardiola delivered a straightforward yet significant instruction. As quoted by [VG](https://www.vg.no/sport/i/qPjdRO/haaland-senket-byrivalen-i-jubileumskampen-har-vaert-enorm), Guardiola explained his words to the striker: “I told him (Haaland) that he had to do the same thing that Solbakken made him do for the national team. It turned out to be two goals.”
The comment highlighted Guardiola’s trust in Haaland’s adaptability and his ability to replicate the intensity of international performances at club level. With his manager’s guidance and his own relentless focus, Haaland remains a decisive figure as City aim to recover from their stuttering start and reaffirm their dominance.