Erling Haaland says he has not even spoken to his dad Alfie about one of the most infamous tackles in Manchester derby history.
The Manchester City striker's father was on the end of a vicious Roy Keane lunge at Old Trafford in April 2001 that the Norwegian midfielder believed ended his career.
He failed to complete another game before hanging up his boots and considered suing Keane for loss of earnings after the Irishman admitted in his autobiography that he was taking revenge on his former Nottingham Forest team-mate, reports The Mirror.
READ MORE: Man Utd weren't on seven-team list for Erling Haaland as striker 'never considered' move
Haaland’s son will follow in his father’s footsteps when he walks out for his first Manchester derby following his £51million arrival from Borussia Dortmund in the summer.
But the striker revealed he hasn’t turned to his dad for advice about the occasion.
Haaland said: “I haven’t spoken to my father about this game, but I know he will be in the stands watching. It means so much to all of the supporters - and as a fan I know that. We want to make them proud on Sunday.
"We know it is going to be a tough game, but I am excited to play in this derby. It’s another game, but I also know that derby games are so much more intense. These games mean everything to the fans. It is the first time I have played in the Manchester derby after watching so many on TV with my father and I cannot wait. It will be a special moment for me.”
Haaland, who rejected the chance to move to Old Trafford, has scored an incredible 14 goals in his first nine City appearances. He has now got United in his sights - but insists he goes into every game with only one thing on his mind.
Haaland said: “Of course, it would be special to score against United, but it would also be special to score against Copenhagen on Wednesday and Southampton next weekend.
"My focus is on every game because if I am scoring goals and playing well it means it is going to help the team achieve our aims this season.
“My welcome has been amazing. Manchester is an incredible city with people who love football. The fans and the players, staff and coaches at the club have been great and they have made me feel so at home here. We know it is going to be a tough game.
"Anything is possible in a derby game and we are all going to have to be at our best to get anything from this game.
"What I have always known and am now experiencing is that in the Premier League every game is tough. You have to be at your best and if you aren’t then you will be punished.”
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