Man City are better WITHOUT Erling Haaland, claims Hamann as Man City star’s horror stats vs Man Utd are revealed

ERLING HAALAND’s horror stats in Saturday’s defeat against Manchester United show Man City are BETTER without him.

That’s the astonishing verdict of former Etihad midfielder Didi Hamann – even if the striker manages 40 goals this season.

3

3

Haaland had just 19 touches, including only three in the United box, and was off-target with both his two goal attempts in a 2-1 away loss.

Sub Jack Grealish headed City in front on the hour but Bruno Fernandes levelled controversially and Marcus Rashford sent Old Trafford wild by sweeping home a Red Devils’ winner.

Pep Guardiola’s champs are now five points behind leaders Arsenal.

And Hamann responded by posting on social media: “Man City was a better team without Haaland, even if he scores 40 goals this season.”

And although a few fans scoffed at the German’s opinion, many agreed that the Norway hero DOESN’T suit City’s possession-based playing style.

One said: “True, he is a monster of a player, great goal scorer, but if he isn’t on fire City have no Plan B.

“Having that obvious focal point in a team costs you points in the long run.”

Another wrote: “Agreed. Very very few teams ever win tons with a singular major goalscorer. Needs to be spread around so the opposition have lots to think about.”

One simply posted: “The way City play doesn’t suit him.”

HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL

It was even argued that Alex Ferguson’s United eventually suffered for the same reason when Dutch master Ruud van Nistelrooy was their targetman.

One social media user said: “Happened at United w/ van Nistelrooy in early 2000s.”

Similar views flowed in as fans discussed whether Haaland’s brilliant finishing made up for possible flaws in his link-play.

Such a view was: “This tactic of getting a 9 means these teams are too open and concede possession.”

3