It Took Erling Haaland Just One Day To Violate Manchester United, Had The Crowd In Stitches

Erling Haaland has admitted he is looking forward to facing Manchester United in the Premier League next season - but joked he does not like to say their name.

The Manchester City superstar was unveiled to supporters on Sunday at an event outside the Etihad Stadium and they were given the chance to ask him questions.

Haaland was asked which team he is eager to face most and after a few seconds, he had his answer.

He declared: "I don't like to say the words but... Manchester United yeah."

Erling Haaland when asked which team he looks forward to playing against the most next season: "I don't like to say the words but...Manchester United yeah." [@ManCity]

pic.twitter.com/iOVhbBvIbx

— United Zone (@ManUnitedZone_) July 10, 2022

The 21-year-old let out a huge laugh as fans in attendance cheered along.

Haaland has taken the number nine shirt at City following Gabriel Jesus' transfer to Arsenal.

He is expected to lead City, who have won four of the last five Premier League titles, to greater heights.

Pep Guardiola's side are yet to win the Champions League and Haaland's exploits in that competition are what catapulted him onto the world stage.

Haaland was linked with a move to La Liga in the summer, with Real Madrid and Barcelona potential suitors.

The Norway striker opted to join City, who his father Alf-Inge also played for between 2000 and 2003, and explained why.

"I signed a five-year deal so we have to start there," he said. "In the end I just had the feeling in my stomach, the feeling with the way they play, everything, I had the feeling for City.

"I played against them last year and when you meet it is completely different to the TV. I didn’t touch the ball for 25 minutes and it is like, '(Ilkay) Gundogan please stop playing tiki-taka'. It is a different level how they play and that is what I want to be a part of."

Haaland was not the only summer transfer on show, with backup goalkeeper Stefan Ortega and attacker Julian Alvarez also on stage.

Midfielder Kalvin Phillips, who arrived from Leeds United last week, was missing through illness and apologised on social media.

Jesus' departure and Raheem Sterling's likely move to Chelsea means it is a complete restructuring of City's front line.

Haaland was quick to stress he and Phil Foden are not the only young talents ready to make their mark.

He continued: "It’s not only me and Phil Foden here. There are so many good players. City are already Premier League winners and there is still huge potential.

"That is a really exciting thing. I’ve said before that the Champions League is my favourite competition, so you have your answer [on targets]."

Haaland will get his chance to face United on October 1. First up in a City shirt however is West Ham United on August 7.