Erling Haaland responds to Roy Keane chants in Manchester derby victory
Erling Haaland laughed off chants of ‚Keano‘ from Manchester United fans during Manchester City’s 3-0 derby victory at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.
City’s behemoth striker was at it again as City stormed to a convincing 3-0 victory at the home of their local rivals, scoring twice before setting up Phil Foden to wrap up a comfortable afternoon’s work and send his side up to third in the Premier League, two points behind current leaders Tottenham.
United fans had attempted to get under the skin of Norway international Haaland by chanting the name of former club captain Roy Keane before he stepped up to successfully put the visitors ahead from the penalty spot.
The chants were in clear reference to Keane’s clash with Haaland’s father Alf Inge in his playing days.
Alf Inge mocked Keane for suffering an injury while playing for Leeds back in 1997 and former Republic of Ireland international Keane later inflicted a career-ending blow to Haaland senior, then of Man City, in 2001.
„People were singing to me ‚Keano‘, I don’t know why but it is what it is,“ Haaland junior revealed. „I used it as motivation. I gave them a good celebration.“
Haaland also admitted beating United is extra special, adding: „Of course it is. In the big picture it is three points. You need consistency throughout the whole season in the competition. There are still 84 points so it’s just about getting three points week in, week out.“
Asked about the songs from the home crowd, Keane himself quipped: „Was that about Robbie Keane? I had no doubts Haaland would score the penalty. He took it very well.“
Keane himself was more upset with the performance of his former side and claimed midfielder Bruno Fernandes should be stripped of the captaincy after another emotional showing in a heavy loss.