'It’s not good enough' - Manchester City need to get 'a**** going', says Erling Haaland after poor start to 2025/26 Premier League season

Erling Haaland has criticised Manchester City's disappointing start to the season ahead of his side's clash with bitter rivals Manchester United on Sunday. City are currently 13th in the Premier League table after back-to-back defeats against Tottenham and Brighton ahead of the international break. City recorded a convincing 4-0 win against Wolves in their opening match of the campaign.

Erling Haaland believes that Manchester City's start to the 2025/2026 season has "not been good enough" ahead of the Manchester derby.

Pep Guardiola’s side got off to a winning start against Wolves, but have fallen to back-to-back defeats against Tottenham and Brighton in their last two Premier League fixtures.

They now face a test against bitter rivals Manchester United in their first game back following the international break on Sunday.  

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And Haaland believes the Manchester derby is the perfect opportunity for City to turn their season around.

"We’ve lost two games in a row, it’s not good enough, it’s way too bad," the City striker told Viaplay.

"We need to figure it out, get back to winning ways. We can’t afford to lose games as there’s so many good teams.

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Video credit: SNTV

"It’s perfect to turn things around against United. We need to all be on our best, get our a**** going, get things going, because it’s not been good enough so far."

City may have struggled so far this season, but Haaland has still been clinical in front of goal.

The 25-year-old has already registered three goals in his three Premier League appearances.

The Norwegian superstar also inspired his national team to victory during the international break, helping them move one step closer to FIFA World Cup qualification with five goals in their 11-1 demolition of Moldova.

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City’s difficult start to the season has left them in 13th place in the Premier League table.

Haaland wants City to use their recent experience of defeat as motivation in the Manchester derby.

"Losing’s not cool. It’s annoying, you need to use it for something positive," he added.  

"As motivation to do better the next game, and I expect that we are.

"We need to use the angriness inside us out on the pitch to deliver at our highest level."

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