Erling Haaland has admitted one factor could give him a significant advantage heading into Sunday afternoon's Manchester derby against Manchester United.
The 22 year-old striker has got off to a flyer so far this season.
Scoring 14 goals and providing a further assist in his opening 20 games for Manchester City, Erling Haaland is by far the most prolific goalscorer in the Premier League at this point in time.
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The expectation is that Haaland will just keep on delivering in front of goal, if he is kept fit by club medical staff over the course of the season, but a new challenge presents itself this weekend.
That concerns Manchester United, who have found new life under manager Erik ten Hag.
With that being said however, Erling Haaland believes he may have an advantage that some may not have anticipated given that there are whispers about just how he will adjust to the intensity of a Manchester derby.
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Speaking ahead of the game, the Norway international forward said of the derby, "It means so much to all of the supporters - and as a fan I know that.
"We want to make them proud on Sunday.
"We know it is going to be a tough game, but I am excited to play in this derby."
Erling Haaland continued, "It’s another game, but I also know that derby games are so much more intense.
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"These games mean everything to the fans.
"It is the first time I have played in the Manchester derby after watching so many on TV with my father and I cannot wait.
"It will be a special moment for me.”
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Speaking on his welcome to the city of Manchester, and how that could impact his feelings before and during Sunday's clash, Haaland said, "My welcome has been amazing.
"Manchester is an incredible city with people who love football.
"The fans and the players, staff and coaches at the club have been great and they have made me feel so at home here.
The former Borussia Dortmund striker continued, "We know it is going to be a tough game. Anything is possible in a derby game and we are all going to have to be at our best to get anything from this game.
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"What I have always known and am now experiencing is that in the Premier League every game is tough.
"You have to be at your best and if you aren’t then you will be punished."
Topics: Erling Haaland, Manchester City, Manchester United, Premier League, Football
Freddie Pye