Erling Haaland could create Champions League history and smash former Man United striker’s record
Erling Haaland will chase Champions League history when Manchester City begin a new season in the competition at home to Napoli.
Haaland scored twice as Man City defeated Man United 3-0 in their last Premier League fixture, and the striker has also netted against Wolves and Brighton this campaign.
Kevin De Bruyne left Man City in the summer and will return to the Etihad for the first time since his departure, looking to haunt his former club.
Pep Guardiola’s side are looking to better their run to the play-off round last season after Real Madrid knocked Man City out of the Champions League in 2024/25.
Erling Haaland could smash Champions League record
Haaland could break another goal scoring record if he finds the net against Napoli.
As per BBC Sport, [17 September], Haaland needs just one more goal to reach 50 in the Champions League in 48 appearances, and therefore in the fewest appearances of any player.
That would smash the current record held by former Man United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, who reached the milestone in 62 games.
Haaland has played for RB Salzburg and Borussia Dortmund in the competition prior to joining Man City.
Pep Guardiola continuing to rely on Haaland
Haaland has been in phenomenal form to the start to the new campaign, and it looks likely that the Norwegian will beat van Nistelrooy’s record.
With Omar Marmoush and Rayan Cherki out, much of the goal scoring burden still rests with Haaland.
| Erling Haaland | Stats |
| Appearances | 150 |
| Goals | 129 |
| Assists | 21 |
The Man City team look devoid of another play who could hit at least 15 goals a season, but Guardiola can firmly rely on Haaland to deliver week in week out.
Guardiola will hope to reach the latter stages of the tournament this season to make up for what was a poor campaign last time around.
If Man City are to return to being contenders for the Champions League, then Haaland will play a pivotal role.