Guardiola criticized for 'pretending' when entering the field to remind Haaland

Former midfielder Roy Keane criticized Pep Guardiola for coming on the field and reminding striker Erling Haaland after Man City won 3-0 at Man Utd in round 10 of the Premier League.

Guardiola talks with Erling Haaland after Man City beat Man Utd 3-0 in round 10 of the Premier League at Old Trafford on October 29. Photo: AFP — Guardiola talks with Erling Haaland after Man City beat Man Utd 3-0 in round 10 of the Premier League at Old Trafford on October 29. Photo: *AFP*

At Old Trafford on October 29, Haaland contributed to all three goals of Man City. In the 24th minute, after Rasmus Hojlund pulled down Rodri in the penalty area, Haaland kicked the penalty to break the deadlock. At the end of the first half, the 23-year-old striker missed the opportunity when his close-range header was blocked by Andre Onana.

In the 49th minute, in a similar situation, Haaland headed the ball higher, making it impossible for Onana to save. In the 80th minute, the Norwegian striker crossed for Phil Foden to tap in from close range, sealing a 3-0 victory.

After referee Paul Tierney blew the final whistle, Guardiola came on to give Haaland a warning. The two players discussed the Norwegian striker's header at the end of the first half compared to his goal at the beginning of the second half. Afterwards, Guardiola and Haaland left the field smiling.

On Sky Sports , Keane criticized Guardiola for "showing off", because he thought the Man City coach and his players could talk in the dressing room. "It's all for show, for show," the former Man Utd midfielder commented. "You can talk about it when you get back to the dressing room. It's not difficult. Haaland's header was beautiful, but they don't need to talk on the pitch for five minutes about that situation. Go into the tunnel and enjoy the victory."

With a brace against Man Utd, Haaland reached 20 goals in his 23rd away match - the best achievement in Premier League history. Following him are Kevin Phillips (28 matches), Ian Wright (31), Diego Costa, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (33). On average, Haaland scores or assists every 64 minutes in the Premier League - the best performance among players with at least 40 appearances in the tournament. The Norwegian striker continues to lead the Premier League's top scorer list this season with 11 goals, equal to the entire Man Utd team's achievement.

Also speaking on Sky Sports , Keane called on manager Erik ten Hag to strip Bruno Fernandes of the captaincy and said Man City were not playing at their best. "It could have been worse, Man City could have pushed a few more levels, but they were obsessed with controlling the game and controlling the ball," said the former Irish midfielder. "Man City could have scored more if they wanted to. Onana made two or three great saves, otherwise it would have been worse for Man Utd."

Man Utd dropped to eighth in the Premier League with 15 points, scoring 11 goals and conceding 16, with a goal difference of only -5. Keane criticized the team's attacking strength, and said Man Utd were physically overwhelmed in every position.

Hong Duy

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