Manchester United face the daunting task of trying to stifle the irrepressible Erling Haaland in Sunday's Manchester derby - but Erik ten Hag could have an ace up his sleeve in the form of Jadon Sancho.
Haaland has adapted seamlessly to life at Manchester City and has already shattered Premier League records during his short stint in the top flight. The 22-year-old has plundered 14 goals in just 10 games for the reigning champions and will be eager to add to that tally when he faces United in his first Manchester derby.
To date, Haaland has only failed to score in one league match (Bournemouth) since joining City. And the Norwegian striker heads into this weekend's clash in red-hot form after bagging nine goals in the five league games since he blanked against the Cherries.
But Ten Hag has revealed that United have been picking the brain of Haaland's former Dortmund teammate Sancho in a bid to give themselves the best chance of nullifying the prolific forward.
Sancho and Haaland quickly struck up a potent partnership during their 18 months together in the Bundesliga and netted 81 goals between them (Haaland 58, Sancho 23).
"It's our job as staff to look at someone like Haaland in advance. If an individual makes a huge contribution, we need to analyse them," Ten Hag said prior to the match when he was quizzed on how United would attempt to shackle Haaland.
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"But of course, you talk with your players as well. When someone has played in the past with a particular opponent, like Sancho and Haaland, you ask him."
It remains to be seen, however, if Sancho's inside information will be enough to derail the momentum Haaland has built up in recent weeks ahead of Sunday's crunch clash.
The Haaland name already has plenty of history in the derby; Erling's father, Alf-Inge, was on the receiving end of the vicious tackle from Roy Keane that the former City midfielder believed ended his career back in 2001.
But although Haaland junior revealed earlier this week that he has not spoken to his father about the Manchester derby, he is under no illusions about what to expect at the Etihad.
"I haven't spoken to my father about this game, but I know he will be in the stands watching," Haaland said earlier this week. "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."
