Enzo Maresca likened his relationship with Erling Haaland to the saying "happy wife, happy life", as he looks to keep the striker in a good mood.
Haaland was the difference-maker for City on Sunday as they defeated Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford, maintaining their perfect start to the Premier League season.
City have won their opening four games in three of the last four Premier League seasons, with Liverpool in 2025-26 and Arsenal this season the only other teams to do so once in that period.
However, Maresca's side were forced to do things the hard way after Phil Foden was shown a straight red card in the 23rd minute after kicking out at Bruno Fernandes.
Nevertheless, Haaland netted the winner on the hour, although Pro Ref, the governing body previously known as PGMO, admitted the goal should have been disallowed for offside against Enzo Fernandez.
Haaland is now the outright top goalscorer in Premier League Manchester derbies (nine goals), surpassing Sergio Aguero and Wayne Rooney (eight).
"Erling, since he came back from the World Cup, is working very good," said Maresca.
"For sure, we need to think to give him some rest at some point, because after the World Cup, he cannot continue in the same way all season.
"But in this moment, we are happy with his performance, and then the most important thing is that he is happy.
"You can see he is happy, not only today, even day by day in the training sessions. As long as we keep Erling happy, we are all happy.
"How do you say it in English? Happy wife, happy life? We say, happy Erling, happy life. My wife, she will be upset for sure."
Haaland has scored four goals in as many league games this season and netted twice in City's Champions League win over Porto, but is likely to be rested when they host Norwich in the EFL Cup on Thursday.
Nupaiknpry
0
City 10 men beat Manchester United at home and that's how the game look like, it's either luckiness or wrong decision from referees, but please don't take it granted, another black day will come until you hate yourself, don't laugh too much and minimise your attitude
cry more mtf😅😅
vatbcekmnr
0
you will soon get back to default
Muycdekost
0
City 10 men beat Manchester United at home and that's how the game look like, it's either luckiness or wrong decision from referees, but please don't take it granted, another black day will come until you hate yourself, don't laugh too much and minimise your attitude
congratulations you win controversial game celebrate please
Muycdekost
0
City 10 men beat Manchester United at home and that's how the game look like, it's either luckiness or wrong decision from referees, but please don't take it granted, another black day will come until you hate yourself, don't laugh too much and minimise your attitude
unless you don't count exactly what I'm saying, nonsense I said getting a win is not the final if you remembering 2023 then make sure that I remember 2026, but one of 2023 the referee consult the assistant referee for opinion, for this game non of this move was approached
kudabcikpy
0
let me tell you I wish you always followed the matches carefully, 2004 Ac Milan and Liverpool went to the final, in Istanbul 3 nile down, Liverpool came from behind and took the trophy, next Milan did the same to Liverpool, City was beaten by Madrid in the last minute, year later Madrid was knocked out by City so nothing is premnant bro
What the hell are you insinuating dude?? What happened to you is what they called karma. Remember 2023/2024 season your team(man united) against this same man city when bruno was offside but attempted the ball while rashford went ahead to score the goal, where were you then Mr man? Man city should be saying what you just said now, because this is the karma that returned back to you.
douaeorsty
0
goal is outside...var mistake
Muycdekost
0
City 10 men beat Manchester United at home and that's how the game look like, it's either luckiness or wrong decision from referees, but please don't take it granted, another black day will come until you hate yourself, don't laugh too much and minimise your attitude
let me tell you I wish you always followed the matches carefully, 2004 Ac Milan and Liverpool went to the final, in Istanbul 3 nile down, Liverpool came from behind and took the trophy, next Milan did the same to Liverpool, City was beaten by Madrid in the last minute, year later Madrid was knocked out by City so nothing is premnant bro
Muycdekost
0
City 10 men beat Manchester United at home and that's how the game look like, it's either luckiness or wrong decision from referees, but please don't take it granted, another black day will come until you hate yourself, don't laugh too much and minimise your attitude
I didn't deny their celebrations because 10 men to win the game at the same is away game is big big achievement but I want it to let them know that's not the final come shine come rains, the same thing in years to come will happen to them
truthisbitter
0
City 10 men beat Manchester United at home and that's how the game look like, it's either luckiness or wrong decision from referees, but please don't take it granted, another black day will come until you hate yourself, don't laugh too much and minimise your attitude
so,they won't enjoy bcos of your animosity,if you fought biases and won, will you humble yourself,No! you celebrate and enjoy,City enjoy enjoy enjoy!
jembckmnuy
4
one day he will get the balon d'or...he has a long future ahead of him
Muycdekost
0
City 10 men beat Manchester United at home and that's how the game look like, it's either luckiness or wrong decision from referees, but please don't take it granted, another black day will come until you hate yourself, don't laugh too much and minimise your attitude
mokcorsz
1
talk much