Haa's steely-eyed obsession with goals started at a very Erly age...

As a child Erling Haaland used to break down in tears when he missed chances, but to prove he's over that particular trait he is already cracking jokes about his miss of the season contender against United on Sunday.

- TYRONE MARSHALL

Haaland volleyed over Phil Foden's cushioned header from three yards at the Etihad with United still ahead just before half-time, much to the shock of everyone inside the ground.

Match of the Day host Gary Lineker declared it the worst miss in the history of the Premier League.

The Norwegian didn't let it affect him for long, rounding off the scoring in a 3-1 win for City to notch his 80th goal in 84 appearances for the club.

But in a week that also saw him score five goals in the 6-2 win at Luton Town, it is a miss that has been most discussed around the striker.

He has certainly spurned more chances this season than he did last year, but he isn't letting it faze him and speaking on the eve of City's Champions League last-16 second leg tie against FC Copenhagen, he joked the opportunity that went begging on Sunday showed he still has room to improve.