ERLING HAALAND's horror stats in Saturday's defeat at 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.
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 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, who have a game in hand against Spurs tomorrow.
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."
It was even argued that Sir 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."
tamacmprsy
751
one bad game doesn't mean he is not the best striker in the world of football..even L.MESSI AND CR7 do have bad games sometimes so keep quiet I'm a united fans
Emmy619
603
Halaand is Just like CR7.. Whenever they are not Scoring, they become Useless.😏
gracereo4u
487
Haaland, was Bruno's goal offside? I don't know oo, I was in Shaw's pocket. I didn't see anything for 90mins.
Kingval60
324
He still remains the best no matter what
Jukacmnpy
224
City have a wrong game approach. Look at how Bernado, Mahrez, Cancelo, Rodri, Grealish and even the centre-backs twist and turn with a ball for 10 to 15 seconds!! Instead of crossing, shoting or even releasing a ball quickly, they just hold on it looking for playing safe passes. In the end Halaand lacks service and no enough goal attempts. Only De Bruyne is the one trying to release the ball fast with a cross or a shot or a pass. Don't blame Halaand for nothing. Pep is to blame.
Yuzbdlny
8
one bad game doesn't mean he is not the best striker in the world of football..even L.MESSI AND CR7 do have bad games sometimes so keep quiet I'm a united fans
Some people don't understand comparison, nobody is saying Messi or Ronaldo is a stricker but they behave like stickers in the field of football. that's what the man trying to compare.