Roy Keane escalates war of words with Erling Haaland by branding star a 'spoiled brat'

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland was seen moaning on the substitute's bench after being brought off during their emphatic 5-1 victory over Wolves, having scored their first four goals

Roy Keane says four-goal Manchester City hero Erling Haaland behaved like a 'spoiled brat' after being subbed off against Wolves.

Manchester United legend Keane has escalated the pair's war of words, as back in March the ex-midfielder scathingly equated Haaland's general play to that of a 'League Two striker'. The Norwegian marksman responded after City's 5-1 victory over Wolves on Saturday by brutally saying: "I really don't care much about that man."

On Sunday, Keane had another dig at Haaland, who was seen moaning on the bench after boss Pep Guardiola brought him off with eight minutes to go, denying him the full opportunity to score five. "We saw Haaland yesterday being brought off, not too happy, behaving like a spoiled brat, but because they win the game and he scores goals, it's almost forgotten about," Keane claimed on Sky Sports.

The former United captain was comparing Haaland's behaviour to that of Liverpool star Mo Salah, who had a row with manager Jurgen Klopp after starting on the bench in their 2-2 draw with West Ham last weekend. "I think because results haven't been going Liverpool's way, that's been highlighted," Keane continued.

Host Dave Jones then quipped: "If you score four goals, that's all right, isn't it?" A stern-faced Keane coldly replied: "No, not really. No it's not."

The Irishman then stared at Jones for a few seconds before fellow pundit Daniel Sturridge burst out laughing and Keane raised a smile. Haaland's frustration on Saturday looked to be a result of being subbed off, but Guardiola claims that his talisman was actually angry with referee Anthony Taylor, despite him awarding City with two penalties.

"He was frustrated with the referee," Guardiola explained post-match. "With the long balls sometimes they push him and he is pulled. He went down and sometimes it was no foul. It happens every game a lot of times. He was just a bit frustrated for these actions but I can guarantee how happy he was today."

Your turn! Who's side are you on - Roy Keane or Erling Haaland's? Let us know your stance in the comments section

Image: Sky Sports) Sky Sports)

The City boss added that Haaland was "back to business," having scored five goals in his last two games. " Penalties are a guarantee (for him) but the second and fourth were unbelievable," Guardiola, who was without Haaland for two recent fixtures due to injury, hailed.

"The 20 minutes he played against Nottingham Forest was really good and today as well. Winning the title on goal difference is not possible, so we cannot draw a game. The way Arsenal have been playing has been so good and consistent.

"It's three games, hopefully we win the first and the second and arrive to the third with our destiny in our own hands. Nine points we will be champions. If it's seven, six or three points then Arsenal will win the Premier League."

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

Click here to read article