Pep Guardiola’s Premier League champions host rivals Manchester United on Sunday as overwhelming favourites once again.
Author and football journalist Paul McCarthy believes Manchester City striker Erling Haaland will
Haaland, 22, has made a sensational start to life in England, netting 11 times in his first seven league outings.
The speed at which the former Borussia Dortmund ace has adjusted to the English top flight has led many to believe Shearer’s record of 260 goals could be in the Norwegian’s sights during his time with the Citizens.
That is certainly the opinion of McCarthy, who exclusively told LiveScore: “I loved watching Alan Shearer. I saw every one of his debuts.
“I saw his debut for Southampton when he scored a hat-trick against Arsenal, his debut for Blackburn when he scored twice, his Newcastle debut and his England one when he scored twice against France.
“He and Andy Cole are the greatest goalscorers the Premier League has had. I think Haaland will destroy both those records.
“I would say Haaland will get 40 goals this season and probably next season and the season after.”
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has been in prolific form
McCarthy has released his first book, Fever Pitch: The Rise of the Premier League, which is a continuation of the BBC TV series that looked at the birth of England’s top flight and its most iconic moments.
The former News of the World and Express reporter is astonished at City’s renaissance since their ownership change in 2008 and admitted their capture of Haaland could be the most significant in Premier League history.
“I’m the executive chairman of the Football Writers’ Association and we may as well have our Footballer of the Year trophy engraved with Erling Haaland’s name now.
“You talk about transformation in the Premier League and those pivotal moments, I don’t think I’ve been as excited at a signing in the Premier League as I have been with Haaland.
“You’re buying a player not at the peak of his powers but you would expect him to be that during his time at Manchester City.
“I think it’s the greatest A-list signing that the Premier League has ever made.”
Manchester United have shown reasons for optimism under Erik ten Hag. The Red Devils have fallen on harder times since their dominant years in the Premier League under Alex Ferguson, with current boss Erik ten Hag their fifth permanent manager since the legendary Scot retired in 2013.
There are hopes that things may be turning around under the Dutch boss with United currently enjoying a four-game winning streak in the Premier League.
McCarthy added: “There are very, very small signs. But it’s like trying to turn round an oil tanker.
“They’ve been heading in the wrong direction ever since 2013 when Sir Alex retired.
“I think Ten Hag is beginning to turn things around. I see very small signs but they are still light years behind City, light years behind Liverpool.
