Manchester City fans have been rubbing their hands together ahead of the Manchester United clash after one of their stars dazzled on international duty.
The Citizens haven’t had the best of starts to the 2025/26 season, losing two of their three opening Premier League games and suffering a number of injuries.
At the same time, Manchester City have strengthened their ranks considerably and their squad is strong, not to mention they’re playing at home.
Erling Haaland loves facing Manchester United and he has certainly warmed up for the derby in the best possible manner.
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Manchester City fans back Erling Haaland to destroy Manchester United after Moldova rout
On Tuesday night, Norway faced Moldova at the Ullevaal Stadion, and Haaland was in rampant form.
The Man City man scored a first-half hat-trick and also assisted Felix Myhre’s opener in the sixth minute.
Martin Odegaard also netted in the opening 45 minutes for a 5-0 half-time lead.
Haaland then added two more goals and one more assist for Norway in the second half, while Thelo Aasgard bagged four off the bench.
Norway won 11-1 in the end, and even Moldova’s scant consolation came from a Norway player, Leo Ostigard scoring an own goal.
While City supporters haven’t had too much to smile about of late, the prospect of an in-form Haaland tormenting the United defence was certainly a nice one for the fanbase.
“Someone pray for Man United cause Haaland isn’t gonna any show any mercy to them,” one City fan wrote on X.
Another said: “Erling Haaland with a hat-trick? Pray for Manchester United.”
The comments kept coming, with one fan saying: “First half hat-trick for Haaland against Moldova.
“Should prepare him for playing United’s defence at the weekend.”
Another supporter wrote: “Another goal from Haaland!
“Please save some goals for Sunday’s match against Manchester United.”
Another fan said: “Haaland scoring goals for fun, and we’re taking Man United next – yeah pray for them.”
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Erling Haaland’s record against Manchester United
Haaland – who has been deemed the second most valuable footballer in the world – has come up against Man United eight times so far in his career.
The £51million man has scored six times against Man United, with all his goals coming in the Premier League, and he has also registered three assists.
| Competition | Appearances | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals | Assists |
| Premier League | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 3 |
| Community Shield | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | – | – |
| FA Cup | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | – | – |
| Total: | 8 | 5 | – | 3 | 6 | 3 |
Indeed, Haaland’s first appearance against United, at the Etihad in the 2022/23 campaign, yielded a hat-trick and a brace of assists en route to a 6-3 win.
Haaland didn’t manage to score against United last season – but he will be eager to put that right.
