Just as Robert Lewandowski stole the show despite not playing in FC Barcelona's 6-0 win over Inter Miami, Erling Haaland was the sensation at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas in Manchester City's first preseason game in a 2-1 victory over Liga MX's Club America.
Fans in Miami and Houston enjoyed the presence of Barcelona and Manchester City's star additions, but in both cases were left wanting to see the debuts of their idols with their new teams.
Erling Haaland's big smile in Houston
Unlike Lewandowski, Haaland has been training with his new club for a little longer and, as a result, he came off the substitutes' bench and looked like he might see some minutes as part of the substitutes announced by Pep Guardiola.
However, when the TV cameras focused on the stellar Norwegian striker who is one day shy of his 22nd birthday, he was seen to be wearing a different jersey to the one used by Manchester City, as well as having his cell phone in his hand at all times.
What did happen is that every time the huge screens at the home of the NFL's Houston Texans showed Haaland there was a huge cheer from the crowd, mostly Club America fans, reciprocated with a huge smile from the former Borussia Dortmund player.
Erling Haaland's challenging look
Another humorous moment was when Liga MX midfielder Diego Valdes fouled Jack Grealish, followed by a challenging look from Haaland at the America player, as if to say "you wouldn't have fouled me if I was on the pitch".
Erling Haaland's new Manchester City story is yet to be written, but for now, the Norwegian striker had a good time in "Space City".
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