‘He’s a machine’ — Manchester United legend lauds five-star Erling Haaland
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A five-star Erling Haaland performance at Luton Town was extolled by Roy Keane (Credit: Imago/Pro Sports Images/Sportimage)

‘He’s a machine’ — Manchester United legend lauds five-star Erling Haaland

Seye Omidiora 09:13 - 28.02.2024

The Manchester City forward netted five in the Cityzens’ 6-2 FA Cup 5th Round win over Luton Town at Kenilworth Road.

Manchester United icon Roy Keane extolled Erling Haaland after the Manchester City forward scored five times in City’s 6-2 FA Cup 5th Round success over Luton Town at Kenilworth Road on Tuesday night.

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The Norwegian netted a 40-minute hat-trick after being set up by Kevin De Bruyne for all three before adding two more after the break in a five-star showing against Rob Edwards’ men.

What Roy Keane said about Haaland’s performance

Speaking in his punditry role on ITV Sport, the four-time FA Cup winner with the Red Devils praised the centre-forward, who became the first player to score five or more FA Cup goals for a top-flight club since George Best netted six against Northampton in 1970.

“Not bad, he’s not bad,” Keane joked on ITV Sport’s coverage. “He’s just prolific, he’s making great runs, he’s a natural goalscorer and he’s getting great service. He’s got a great attitude to score and he’s got that hunger you saw tonight.

“The kid is a machine.”

What Haaland said about his five goals against Luton

Haaland, who took his tally for the season to 27 goals in all competitions for City — 17 in the Premier League and five apiece in the Champions League and FA Cup — believes Guardiola’s men have even more to come.

“I think we made a plan, and everyone stuck to it perfectly,” the five-goal man asserted. “We did well and kept the ball. That’s what we need to do against these teams. So well played by everyone.

“My fitness is getting there and I’m getting back to my best finally. I’m feeling good and it’s an amazing feeling. It’s coming. We’re coming. Exciting times ahead. We are ready to attack.”

What comes next for Haaland and Manchester City?

Next for Haaland and his teammates is this weekend’s Manchester derby against Keane’s old side when a troubled Manchester United visit the Etihad Stadium, the venue of last season’s 6-3 win over Erik ten Hag’s men.

Afterwards, Guardiola’s men take on Copenhagen in their Champions League last-16 second-leg before visiting Premier League-contending Liverpool and travelling to the Amex to take on Brighton & Hove Albion before the March international break.