Erling Haaland failed to find the back of the net once again as his Manchester City side were beaten by fierce rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon.
The Norwegian started the season on fire but has found goals harder to come by in recent times. Haaland had hit the back of the net just once in six games going into the match against the Red Devils. He even failed to score in the 45 minutes he played in the FA Cup against Exeter, a match that ended 10-1 to the Citizens.
He failed to get on the scoresheet again at Old Trafford as the hosts ran out 2-0 winners in Michael Carrick's first match as interim head coach.
City went into the match as favourites and looking to put pressure on Arsenal at the top of the Premier League, but second half goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu condemned Pep Guardiola's side to a damaging defeat.
Alfie Haaland Reacts to Man Utd Fans' Chant to Erling
Harry Maguire and Erling Haaland
Erling was given a hard time by the home supporters throughout the match. The 25-year-old was late getting into the dressing room at half-time after going down with an injury.
He eventually got to his feet after receiving treatment and Man Utd fans sung a brutal chant at him as he made his way inside to meet his teammates.
"Erling, how's your dad?" Man Utd fans chanted at him, which is a reference to Roy Keane’s shocking derby challenge on Erling's father, Alf-Inge, back in April 2001.
Alfie took to social media shortly after the match. Writing on X (formerly Twitter), he referenced the gap between the two sides in the Premier League table as he wrote: "Still 8 points? Keep going."
Pep Guardiola Explains Erling Haaland Substitution
man city pep guardiola
With City trailing United by two goals going into the final 10 minutes of the match, Pep Guardiola made the peculiar decision to sub off Haaland and replace him with 18-year-old Divine Mukasa. The Spanish manager was asked about that decision after the match.
Guardiola, who could reportedly leave Man City this week, said, per the Standard: “We had new energy. At the end, it is a question of how many moments you have. It’s not about just Erling, the energy you pass to them, and them to you; it’s a question of the group.
“We are here because Erling has done unbelievably. Of course, he’s played a lot of games, but believe me, it’s not just about him.”
City and Haaland will be looking to get back on track when they travel to Norway to take on Bodo/Glimt in their Champions League clash on Tuesday January 20.