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As the Manchester derby comes into view, Erling Haaland will be licking his lips.

The Norwegian hit-man was at his lethal best against Luton Town in their FA Cup tie on Tuesday night, and his five-goal haul should serve as a warning to Man United ahead of this weekend’s game.

Aside from the reverse against Fulham last time out, Erik ten Hag had seen a resurgence of sorts from his team.

The Red Devils had gone unbeaten in seven in all competitions, giving the impression that the Dutchman and his underperforming side had finally turned the corner, and not before time.

Erling Haaland scored five in Man City’s FA Cup win at Luton

However, the defeat against the Cottagers saw all of the old wounds reopen, as ten Hag’s XI laboured through a game that, on paper, they should’ve arguably won comfortably.

It brings back into sharp focus just how unsuited the Dutchman is to being at the helm of such a storied outfit.

Compare and contrast the disconnect he has with his players to the incredible connection that Pep Guardiola fosters with his squad. Chalk and cheese.

Man City have recently hit that sweet spot where everything they touch seems to turn to gold, and that’s an ominous sign for their opponents.

Erling Haaland will relish taking Man United’s defence apart

Nothing would give them greater pleasure than to down their rivals in a real show of strength, and with Kevin De Bruyne back supplying the bullets for Haaland – in such brilliant goalscoring form himself – there’s reason enough to believe that Sunday afternoon’s encounter could spell the beginning of the end for ten Hag.

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