Manchester City fans spot Aymeric Laporte's hilarious message on Erling Haaland's match ball

Manchester City supporters have been reacting to Aymeric Laporte's hilarious message on Erling Haaland's match ball following his hat-trick against Manchester United.

The Norwegian frontman scored three times against Erik ten Hag's men at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon, with the 22-year-old taking his City goal tally to 17 goals in 11 appearances in all competitions since his summer arrival from Borussia Dortmund. It was Haaland's third hat-trick of the season.

England international Phil Foden also grabbed a hat-trick against United as Pep Guardiola's side secured a 6-3 victory over their rivals in the Premier League. Despite the Reds scoring three consolation goals in the second period, the home side dominated proceedings and were worthy of the win.

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After the match - like is always the case when a player scores a hat-trick - Haaland's teammates signed one of the match balls from the game with messages of congratulations. The City star's father, Alfie Haaland, posted a picture on Instagram of the pair posing with the striker's signed ball, and fans were quick to notice one message in particular.

Towards the bottom of the ball on the right-hand side, French defender Laporte wrote: "I have signed more balls for your hat-tricks than contracts."

His message to his teammate went down well on social media, and here's how some City fans reacted to his comment on Haaland's match ball:

@HumbleM96380767: Ballers know ballers

@MarchinCity: My CB

@ElingHaaland: The best in the world right now

@MikeDatTiger: LMAO

@Duzo_10: What a way to send a message to the board

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