Manchester United icon Roy Keane has unleashed a ferocious verbal assault on Erling Haaland, delivering a verdict that will stun the football world. The Sky Sports pundit didn't hold back in his criticism of the Manchester City goal machine following Sunday's electrifying 3-3 draw in the Manchester derby.
While Haaland found the net twice, including a powerful header, Keane focused his ire on the Norwegian's overall contribution, particularly his link-up play. The former midfield enforcer delivered a brutal assessment that questioned the very fundamentals of the striker's game.
"It's So Poor It's Almost Unbelievable"
Keane's critique went far beyond typical pundit analysis. "The levels of his general play is so poor," he stated on Sky Sports. "In terms of front of goal, he's the best in the world, but his general play for such a player is so poor. Not just today, I think his laying stuff off, headers, whatever it might be. He has to improve that."
The Irishman then delivered his most damning line, a comparison that will raise eyebrows across the Premier League: "He's almost like a League Two player. That's the way I look at his general play."
Praise Amidst the Criticism
Keane did acknowledge Haaland's undeniable prowess where it matters most—in front of goal. The 23-year-old took his Premier League tally to an astonishing 18 goals for the season with his brace against United.
"He's a brilliant striker, but he has to improve his all-round game," Keane added, creating a stark contrast between Haaland's world-class finishing and what he perceives as subpar technical abilities elsewhere on the pitch.
Foden Shines as Title Race Heats Up
The dramatic draw, which saw City surrender a winning position twice, has left the title race finely poised. While Keane tore into Haaland, he had nothing but praise for Phil Foden, who scored a stunning equaliser to make it 2-2.
"He's a beautiful player to watch," Keane said of Foden. "So talented, so graceful. We give him praise when it's due, but he still has to get better. He's a special, special talent."
The result leaves Arsenal atop the Premier League table by a single point, with Liverpool just one point further back in third, setting up a thrilling finale to the season.
