Man Utd star named ‘best player on the pitch’ after 45 mins as injured Haaland gets OT abuse

Manchester United fans enjoyed taunting Erling Haaland at the end of a first half that witnessed some Bruno Fernandes heroics.The Red Devils are hosting their neighbours, Manchester City, at Old Trafford in Saturday’s early Premier League kickoff.While the first period ended goalless, the hosts have been by far the better side, with Michael Carrick finding success on his debut in his tactical battle against Pep Guardiola, who was forced to field a makeshift backline due to a number of absentees.Bruno Fernandes runs the show(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)Fernandes put on a class showing in the first 45 minutes, including a wonderful cross that gave Patrick Dorgu a golden opportunity to score, but he was denied by Gianluigi Donnarumma.The Sun journalist Samuel Luckhurst described Bruno’s effort as a ‘Beckham-like-world-class pass’. The reporter then identified the 31-year-old as the ‘best player on the pitch’ during the first half. An enthralling half that’s somehow ended goalless. #mufc the better side and have had some superb chances. City’s back four one of te most gettable Guardiola has picked. Fernandes the best player on the pitch. — Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) January 17, 2026In addition to the mentioned cross, the former Udinese and Sampdoria star ran the show for United as they dominated the battle in the middle of the park. He also got on the end of a sublime cross from Lisandro Martinez, round the goalkeeper, and then slotted the ball home, but was denied by a tight offside call.Erling Haaland taunted by Man Utd fansWhile Bruno had a lavish first half, Haaland found less joy in his battle against Harry Maguire and Martinez.The Norwegian striker was the last player to head to the tunnel at the interval after picking up a knock. Luckily for the Cityzens, their prime star eventually rose to his feet and headed to the locker-room, but not after receiving some good-old-fashioned banter from the Man Utd supporters in the stands.As noted by Luckhurst, the Old Trafford faithful were singing ‘Keano, Keano, Keano’, while the City centre-forward was leaving the pitch. United fans chanting ‘Keano, Keano, Keano’ as Haaland gets up gingerly. #mufc — Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) January 17, 2026This is obviously a reference to the unsavoury rivalry between former United captain Roy Keane and the striker’s father, Alfie Haaland.