Ten Hag dismisses Erling Haaland question ahead of Manchester derby

Manchester City host Manchester United in the 188th meeting between the two rivals. Both sides go into the game in fine form, with the Red Devils looking for their fifth win on the bounce in the Premier League, while City remain unbeaten.

A lot of the pre-match discussion is evolving around Erling Haaland, who is the top scorer in the league with a staggering 11 goals in 7 matches. Even Gary Neville was sent to interview the City striker ahead of the match – only to joke that he wishes the Norwegian was unavailable to play.

With that in mind, reporters were keen to asked Erik ten Hag how United were planning to stop Haaland on Sunday. The manager was quick to point out that it’s not about stopping Haaland but City as a whole.

“We don’t play against Haaland, we play against Man City,” Ten Hag told reporters, as quoted by the Manchester Evening News. “We are convinced of our capabilities. If we act as a team then we can beat our opponents. That is the belief we need, and we need it even more Sunday.”

Can Lisandro Martinez keep Haaland quiet?

Of course he can. The Argentine kept Haaland quiet over 90 minutes last season when Ajax beat Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.

Like Ten Hag says, though, it will take more than solely stopping Haaland on Sunday.

United need to stop City from providing their lethal goalscorer with opportunities.

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