Roy Keane has strongly criticized Manchester City’s Erling Haaland for his ineffective performance in the 0-0 draw against Arsenal on Sunday. The striker faced difficulties as Arsenal effectively subdued him in the clаsh between top contenders for the Premier League title. Keane pointed out Haaland’s overall gameplay as a significant weakness, suggesting it resembles that of a player suited for the fourth tier of English football.

Speaking on Sky Sports, the former midfielder remarked, “His general play is remarkably subpar. It’s not just today; I believe his passing, aerial duels, and overall contribution – while he excels in front of goal, arguably the best in the world – are lacking. He needs to enhance his overall gameplay. From my perspective, he resembles a player from League Two. His overall performance must improve, and I believe it will over the coming years.”Keane wasn’t the sole Manchester United icon to critique Haaland during the game. Gary Neville, while commentating, chuckled when the forward missed a significant opportunity, remarking that it seemed as if Haaland had “never played football before.”Keane’s remarks could be interpreted as the latest development in a longstanding feud between the former Manchester United star and the Haaland family. Haaland’s father, Alf-Inge, caused Keane’s cruciate ligament ιnjury in a Leeds-United match in 1997. Years later, Keane’s infamous tackle on Haaland senior is thought to have contributed to the latter’s retirement. In his autobiography, the Republic of Ireland hero confessed that the tackle was premeditated.Currently enduring a three-game goal drought for his club, Haaland will be eager to rediscover his scoring form as City face Aston Villa in their next Premier League encounter. City presently occupy the third position in the table, trailing Arsenal by a point and Liverpool by three.