“I don’t care what he said his an old man looking for attention in the media the other time he called me a league 2 player but I shut his mouth

After scoring four goals against Wolves, including a hat-trick in the first half, Manchester City attacker Erling Haaland responded to Roy Keane with a no-nonsense message.

Back in March, after struggling to make an impression against Premier League title challengers Arsenal, Keane labeled the Norwegian’s overall play as “that of a League Two player.”

Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Keane swiftly turned his focus to the 23-year-old striker, who had an uncommonly quiet performance in front of goal.

“The level of his whole play is so low,” he remarked. “Not just today; I believe he’s laying off headers or whatever. He is the world’s finest in front of goal.

“But for his overall player, for such a guy, it is quite awful. Not just today; he needs to improve. He reminds me of a League Two player. His overall play has to develop, and it will over the next few years.”

City manager Pep Guardiola responded to Keane by hailing Haaland as “the finest striker in the world” who played a key part in last season’s treble-winning campaign.

Speaking on Sky Bet’s Stick To Football podcast, the former Republic of Ireland midfielder “guaranteed” that Guardiola had addressed the player’s form with his staff.

“I’m not sure what the big issue is; I compliment Erling Haaland every week, as well as Manchester City, and I believe he’s a terrific striker. However, his typical play is that of a League Two player. And I’m pleased you disagree with me; I don’t expect everyone to agree with me,” he continued.

“His overall performance, week after week, is far from satisfactory. As a goal scorer and striker, [he is] the finest, and I stated so. His link-up play, the way he passes the ball off, the choices he offers or does not give his teammates – he is the finest striker and goal scorer in the world, but his other play is that of a League Two player.

“The game against Arsenal was difficult because they did well to control the whole game, but in general, I don’t believe what I said was significant.”