Pep Guardiola gives Erling Haaland verdict after Man City star misses sitter

Pep Guardiola does not care if Erling Haaland misses another five sitters as long as he reacts with the same mentality.

Manchester City thought they had created an equaliser at the end of the first half against Manchester United, only for Haaland to smash over the bar from a few yards when he had an empty net. City could not believe it, with Rodri thumping the floor in frustration, although Haaland would get the third after two Phil Foden goals had turned the game around.

Gary Lineker said Haaland's miss was the worst he had ever seen as the world reacted to the deadliest striker in world football botching such an easy chance. But while that may have been the focus for some, Guardiola was more focused with the reaction that saw the Norwegian contribute to the team and get on the scoresheet.

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"He was disappointed, I was disappointed. I want him to score four or five goals every game like he did at Luton, but I don't care," said Guardiola.

"He can miss this one and be sad for 10 seconds and miss five more and be sad for 10 seconds more. But after that, erase it and onto the next one.

"The great players I met and was a manager for have this incredible ability to forget in an instant. It's painful - it has to be - but they forget it as quick as possible. Everyone misses but when they miss, smile, be positive and go for the next. That defines the great players and he did it."