Manchester City star Erling Haaland gave up the chance to take a penalty in the FA Cup final as he passed the ball to Omar Marmoush, who saw his spot-kick saved by Dean Henderson
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08:53, 18 May 2025
Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney was stunned by Erling Haaland's decision
(Image: BBC iPlayer)
Former England captain Wayne Rooney told Erling Haaland that he will never challenge greats like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo after accusing the Manchester City striker of bottling a penalty in the FA Cup final. Haaland, who has missed three out of seven spot-kicks this season, handed the ball to Omar Marmoush with City trailing Crystal Palace 1-0.
But the Egyptian's effort was saved by Eagles 'keeper Dean Henderson and Oliver Glasner's team held on for glory at Wembley. Rooney said: "Erling Haaland is a world-class forward, but when we're talking about Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, there's no way they're giving that ball away.
"That's what separates those two players from Erling Haaland or Kylian Mbappe and these players. They are selfish and they want to score every game. When he (Haaland) misses chances I think you can see it gets to him and it does affect him.
"Maybe the thought of taking a penalty at Wembley might have been too much for him. You never know, he's a human being."
City boss Pep Guardiola admitted that the decision for Marmoush to take the penalty was taken by the players. But three years ago, he blasted Haaland for allowing Ilkay Gundogan to take a spot-kick as he chased a hat-trick against Leeds and the German missed.
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Palace were leading through Eberechi Eze’s 16th-minute strike when Marmoush blew his big moment. Guardiola said: "I thought Erling would want to take the penalty but we didn't speak after the game. These are things for them.
"That moment is about the feeling and how they feel. They decided Omar was ready to take it. Omar took a lot of time when the game was stopped and it put more pressure on him - and Henderson made a good save."
Was Erling Haaland right to give up the penalty? Have your say in the [comments section](https:// https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/erling-haaland-wayne-rooney-penalty-35244909#comments-section).
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 17: Erling Haaland of Manchester City interacts with match referee Stuart Attwell as Omar Marmoush of Manchester City prepares to take his sides penalty during the Emirates FA Cup Final match between Crystal Palace and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on May 17, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Erling Haaland allowed team-mate Omar Marmoush to take the penalty
Alan Shearer echoed Rooney's sentiment, saying: "That is a big decision from Erling Haaland as well, not to want that penalty. If he's fit enough he's on the pitch, he's starting the game. So it must be mentally that he's either said he doesn't want it," Shearer said in commentary for BBC Sport.
"Or Pep doesn't want him to take it. That is a big surprise to me though. Not at all [would you pass it up]. Not when you're in his position. Erling Haaland, who and what you are. He's scored 30 goals this season.
"I'm only speaking from a personal point of view but I wouldn't be prepared to give up a penalty in a cup final - no chance. Come to that I wouldn't give one up in any game, let alone a cup final."
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