BRAUT FORCE

ERLING TERRORISES AWFUL UNITED

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IT WAS only a few days after a match where he scored five goals, but Erling Haaland’s performance in the Manchester derby yesterday was up there with the greatest individual displays in the fixture.

When you think of the all-time greats that have played in the derby, that is a big claim — but Haaland was immense.

It wasn't just his two goals — and he rattled the woodwork too — but I have never seen him work so hard.

Before Haaland’s second goal, there was a period where he made five clearances deep in the heart of his own defence.

At both ends of the pitch, the big man delivered.

In any era, there are only a handful of special transfers. Signings that end up transforming the football landscape.

When Liverpcol ruled the roost, the capture of Kenny Dalglish, Graeme Souness, Alan Hansen and John Barnes made the most significant difference.

That was one great dynasty and it was succeeded by another — the one built by Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.

Three signings, in particular, changed English football — those of Peter Schmeichel, Roy Keane and Eric Cantona.

But here's the thing: Go into the background of those deals and you quickly realise how close they came to not happening.

Schmeichel was a Liverpool fan and Liverpool were keen on him long before Ferguson took an interest.

As for Keane, he had met with Blackburn Rovers boss Kenny Dalglish on a Friday in July, 1993, and had agreed to join the club.