'He's not human!' Copenhagen goalkeeper Kamil Grabara left astouded by Erling Haaland's quality

Erling Haaland’s monstrous start to life at Manchester City left FC Copenhagen goalkeeper Kamil Grabara questioning whether the striker is human.

Haaland scored twice during City’s 5-0 rout of the Danish side, taking his personal tally to 19 goals in 12 games since a summer move from Borussia Dortmund.

The 22-year-old was afforded a rest at half time by Pep Guardiola before Jack Grealish backed him to prove the difference as City go in search of finally lifting a first Champions League trophy.

‘It's unbelievable – honestly,’ Grealish said. ‘I've never witnessed anything like it in my life. For the first and second goals I was just laughing. He is always there.

‘Their keeper said something to me as I was walking back. He said, “he's not human!” I said: “You're telling me!” Hopefully he can carry on this form and take us to glory.’

Guardiola confirmed that Haaland, who spent much of the second half in the home dressing room, was not injured.

‘He’s played a lot of minutes,’ Guardiola said. ‘The game was under control. If the game was tight, Erling would continue but it was better to rest for Southampton on Saturday.’

The City boss did, however, concede that the abdominal injury Kyle Walker sustained during Sunday’s thumping of Manchester United will keep him out for weeks. It is another headache for a City player ahead of the World Cup, with Kalvin Phillips also battling to prove his fitness.

‘Kyle will be for a while – weeks,’ Guardiola said. ‘But I am not a doctor, I don’t know.’

Grealish, unfortunate not to end up on the scoresheet, believes he has recaptured his best form in recent weeks.

‘My last three or four games I feel back to myself,’ he added. ‘I am playing more with that freedom and confidence. It would help if I got on the scoresheet, I was desperate, but it's all about enjoying it.

‘I've played a lot of games recently so I'm thankful to the manager for that. I'm playing with a smile on my face and feel like I'm settling in now.’

Copenhagen manager Jacob Neestrup admitted his team face a tall order to leave with anything when the teams meet again next week.

‘They are the best team in the world right now and several levels above us,’ he said. ‘There is a three, four, five per cent we can take a point next week. We were well prepared but Haaland is a top class striker. When you see the way he moves when the ball is on the way, it’s natural every time.’