Rio Ferdinand has a wild theory behind Roy Keane's criticism of Erling Haaland

Rio Ferdinand has come up with a wild theory behind Roy Keane’s criticism of Erling Haaland.

Last week, after Manchester City were held to a 0-0 at the Etihad Stadium by Arsenal, former Manchester United midfielder Keane labelled Haaland ‘almost like a League Two player’.

The Irishman said: “The levels of his general play are so poor. Not just today - I think his laying stuff off, headers, whatever it might be. In front of goal, he's the best in the world.

“But for his general player, for such a player, it is so poor. Not just today - he has to improve that. He's almost like a League Two player, that's how I look at him. His general play has to improve, and it will do in the next few years. He's been this brilliant striker, he's fantastic, but he has to improve his all round play. He has to.”

In response, City boss Pep Guardiola said: “I’m not agreeing with him [Keane], absolutely not. It’s like he said: 'he’s a manager for the second or third league'. I don’t think so.

“He [Haaland] is the best striker in the world and he helped us to win what we won last season. The reason why we didn’t create enough chances is not from Erling. We need more presence in the final third with more people.”

Ahead of City’s Premier League clash against Crystal Palace, Ferdinand was asked about the criticism directed at Haaland.

The former England man said: “I think Roy Keane has got a bit of history with the family so I can’t take too much with what he said.

“I think division two is a bit far-fetched.”

Back in his playing days, Keane was involved with Haaland’s father, Alf-Inge when his horror challenge practically ended Haaland senior’s career.

Further extending on Keane’s comments, Guardiola said: “We played an exceptional game. I reviewed the game against Arsenal, but we missed more people in the final third.

“Maybe for the quality and different skillset we have, but Erling is exceptional. Some actions he missed, sometimes it's the managers, sometimes the opponent is really good, there are many many reasons. In football there is not just one reason, sometimes where you have success or you don't have success, there are many reasons, it's football, it's a team sport.”