These are your Manchester United morning headlines for Wednesday, August 24.
07.08.2022 - 20:37 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Erling Haaland's Premier League career got off to a flying start on Sunday afternoon when he scored to give Manchester City the lead at West Ham.
City's £51m striker was felled by West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola after he surged into the box and won the race to get on the end of Ilkay Gundogan's through ball.
The 22-year-old grabbed the ball and made his way over to the penalty spot, where he showed no nerves as he coolly slotted the ball into the bottom left corner.
While analysing the first half on Sky Sports, former City defender Micah Richards identified exactly what Haaland has brought to Pep Guardiola's side.
READ MORE: Live updates from City vs West Ham
"Last season the penalty takers didn’t fill us with that much confidence, a few misses," said Richards. "I loved the way he [Haaland] grabbed the ball and said 'I’m the man, I’m taking it' and he tucked it away. This is what Man City have been asking for, needed, a goalscorer in a vital moment when the game’s tight."
Gary Neville was also impressed by Haaland's composure from 12 yards, but Haaland's movement and acceleration during the move that led to the penalty was what caught his eye most.
"Side-foot, power but it was how he won it that will send shudders through the Premier League," said Neville. "The first-time City get close to slipping that ball down the side, we’ve talked about the power on the counter-attack but that could be a familiar celebration."
Richards added: "Anything to get in behind as soon as the midfielder has his head up that’s what he should be looking for. This is the penalty, look how quick, the pace and there was only one winner. Nobody’s catching him."
ALSO READ:
These are your Manchester United morning headlines for Wednesday, August 24.
Gary Neville has questioned Manchester United’s decision to hand Casemiro a four-year deal with an option for a 12-month extension.
Gary Neville has insisted Antonio Conte wouldn’t have been a good fit for Manchester United, drawing comparisons with former manager Jose Mourinho.
Gary Neville believes Manchester United could finish in the bottom half of the Premier League if they allow Cristiano Ronaldo to leave.
Gary Neville believes just two of Manchester United’s signings over the past nine years have proven to be a success.
Gary Neville's damning Arsenal comments may be hard for Manchester United fans to read now, but they should show supporters things have to get worse before they can get better.
Gary Neville has been involved in yet another Twitter debate with Jamie Carragher as Manchester United were embarrassed by Brentford on Saturday evening.
Gary Neville has expressed his concerns over Manchester United's decision to sign Lisandro Martinez this summer.