Erling Haaland breaks Manchester derby goalscoring record after admitting record was ‘in my head’

Erling Haaland has written his name into Manchester derby history after becoming the all-time leading goalscorer in the Premier League era of the fixture.

The Manchester City striker scored the decisive goal in his side’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford, taking his tally against United to nine goals in just eight Premier League appearances.

That goal moved Haaland ahead of Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney and Manchester City great Sergio Aguero, who previously shared the record with eight derby goals each.

And Haaland admitted he already knew about the record before stepping onto the pitch.

Haaland admits derby record was on his mind

Haaland revealed that the milestone had been in his thoughts before the game, although he did not necessarily expect to break it in such dramatic fashion.

“I knew about this record before, I read about it, so it had ended up in my head,” Haaland said.

“I’m super proud of that. This is something that makes me really, really happy because we all know how special this game is.”

The 26-year-old has now scored nine times against United in the Premier League, continuing his remarkable record in one of English football’s biggest fixtures.

The latest strike came in the 60th minute as City eventually secured a hard-fought victory.

Haaland delivers when City need him

The Norwegian’s winning goal once again showed why City rely so heavily on him in front of goal.

After United came under sustained pressure, Haaland found space inside the penalty area and produced a composed finish to beat the goalkeeper.

There was a nervous wait for City after VAR reviewed the goal for around three minutes, but the decision eventually went in Haaland’s favour.

For the striker, however, there was little complicated thinking behind the finish.

Haaland said his approach is simply to trust his instincts and concentrate on getting the ball into the net.

“It’s just pure instinct, of what I feel is the right thing to do,” he explained.

“And, in the end, there’s no solution to this or that. How to finish, how to do this, how to do that.

“It’s just about trying to get the ball in the back of the net and shooting good enough so the keeper cannot save it. So that’s just what I’m trying to think of.”

A growing bond with Manchester City fans

Haaland has also developed a strong relationship with City supporters since arriving from Borussia Dortmund.

The Manchester derby has quickly become a special fixture for the striker, who understands the importance it carries for both sets of fans.

Rather than shying away from the pressure, Haaland appears to thrive on the rivalry, the atmosphere and the constant banter between supporters.

“Ever since I came to Manchester, they gave me a little bit, I give them a little bit,” he said.

“But, when it comes to the thing, it’s about having some banter and enjoying the love of the game and fighting for your team.

“I think this game, since I got my debut at the Etihad against Manchester United, this game has always been special.”

Haaland continues to make Manchester derby history

Haaland’s latest achievement adds another milestone to an already remarkable Manchester City career.

With nine Premier League derby goals from only eight appearances against United, the Norwegian is now ahead of both Rooney and Aguero in the Premier League-era scoring charts.

More importantly for City, his latest goal also delivered three points in one of the biggest games of the season.

At just 26, Haaland still has plenty of derby matches ahead of him — meaning the record he has just claimed could become even harder for future players to catch.