Rio Ferdinand gives explanation for Roy Keane’s beef with Erling Haaland
Rio Ferdinand has given a potential explanation for Roy Keane's brutal remark about Erling Haaland after his performance against Arsenal.
Manchester United legend Keane branded Haaland a 'League Two player' after a disappointing performance against Arsenal last week where he failed to test David Raya.
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Pep Guardiola named the Norway international on the bench for their win over Aston Villa, though, he did then start against Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Ahead of kick-off on TNT Sports, Keane's former teammate Ferdinand was asked about the moment by Lynsey Hipgrave.
He had a cheeky reply, saying: "I think Roy Keane has got previous with the family I can't take too much of what he said!"
Ferdinand was referencing Keane's controversial moment when he thundered through Alf-Inge Haaland's leg during a Manchester derby in 2001.
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Keane then aggressively stood over Haaland after the incident, which had its roots in a previous clash.
And while Haaland Sr holds no ill will towards Keane for the challenge, the former midfielder has come in to criticise his son almost as harshly.
"The levels of his general play are so poor. And not just today but in general," Keane said after City's 0-0 draw against Arsenal last Sunday.
"In terms of front of goal he's best in the world, but his general play is so poor.
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"He's almost like a League Two player. That is the way I look at him. His general play has to improve.
"It will do, over the next few years. Being this brilliant striker is fantastic but he has to improve his all-round game."
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reveals how close Jude Bellingham and Erling Haaland were to signing for Manchester United
While Haaland might not be breaking his Premier League records from last season, the 23-year-old is still in outrageous form.
In 35 appearances, he has netted 29 times and he leads the Golden Boot race with 18 goals in the league.
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