Roy Keane's criticism of Erling Haaland's all-round game has sparked a response from the Manchester City striker. Keane, the former Manchester United captain, described Haaland's general play as being of 'League Two standard' following City's goalless draw with Arsenal in March.
Haaland, who scored four goals in City's 5-1 win over Wolves on Saturday, dismissed Keane's comments in an interview with Norwegian broadcaster Viaplay. 'I don't really care that much about that man, so that's all right,' said Haaland.
Keane had told Sky Sports: 'In front of goal he's the best in the world, but his general play for such a player - it is so poor. He's almost like a League Two player.' City manager Pep Guardiola defended Haaland, saying: 'I'm surprised this came from a former player. From journalists, I can understand, but former players is always a surprise.'
Keane later reiterated his stance on the Stick to Football podcast, stating: 'His general play, week in, week out is nowhere near good enough. As a goal scorer and a striker, the best – and I said that. His link-up play, the way he lays the ball off, sometimes the options he gives his teammates or the options he doesn't give them – as a striker and a goal scorer the best in the world, but his other play is that of a League Two player.'
The feud has historical context, as Keane's tackle on Haaland's father, Alf-Inge, during a Manchester derby in 2001 effectively ended the latter's career. Alf-Inge responded to the current comments by suggesting Keane may have 'a slightly different agenda'.
