Keane tips 'Ronaldo-like' Haaland to net 40 goals for Man City this season
FT Desk
- 8 Aug 2022 15:45 CDT
- 3 min read
Manchester United legend Roy Keane is expecting big things of Erling Haaland, after watching City's new signing take West Ham United apart on his Premier League debut.
Haaland scored both of his side's goals in a comfortable 2-0 victory on Sunday which set City's title defence off on the right foot.
It was a welcome return to normal service for the Norwegian, who suffered an off-day during the previous weekend's Community Shield final as his new side went down to Liverpool.
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And despite the rivalry between the two Manchester clubs, not to mention the historic animosity between Keane and the Haaland family - he is widely blamed for having ended Erling's father Alf Inge's career with a horror tackle while the latter was playing for Leeds - the ex-Republic of Ireland captain did not hold back with his praise.
“Very comfortable for City,” Keane told Sky Sports.
“Haaland, people doubted whether he could settle in the Premier League quickly, great quality, great run, he’s going to get chances.
We’ve seen it today people talking 20-odd goals, he’s taking penalties it’ll be 30, 40 goals. He is going to get chances if he stays fit and healthy with the players around him. Good luck to the defenders coming up against him.”
"He is like Ronaldo with his darting runs. He doesn't get too involved with the build-up but when it comes in the box he’s alive."
Richards delighted with 'brilliant' City
Speaking alongside Keane, former City defender Micah Richards was a little more conservative with his predictions but admitted he was excited to see Haaland and the rest of Pep Guardiola's charges in action.
“I think with the creativity behind him, De Bruyne getting the assists today it’s just brilliant,” Richards explained.
“Yes his hold up play will improve but that movement in the final third was exceptional. He will score 20, 25+ goals on that evidence today.”
