Manchester City 's surprising FA Cup final defeat to Crystal Palace has everyone talking, especially about Erling Haaland 's big decision. The team's star forward allowed his teammate, Omar Marmoush, to take a crucial penalty he missed, losing the game for Manchester City.
Wayne Rooney , a former hero for Manchester United, said this shows Haaland is not on Messi's or Ronaldo's level. With City not winning anything this season, Haaland's choice has fans and pundits questioning his ability to handle the pressure.
Wayne Rooney slams Erling Haaland's penalty decisionManchester City lost to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final at Wembley, ending their chance to win a trophy this season. Erling Haaland, usually the one to take penalties, shocked fans by giving the ball to Omar Marmoush, who missed the shot. On BBC Sport, Wayne Rooney said this proves Haaland doesn't have the same strong mindset as Messi or Ronaldo, who always want to take big shots.
Rooney thinks Haaland, just back from an injury, might have felt too nervous to take the penalty in such a huge game. This has started a debate about whether Haaland can lead City when things get tough. With City out of the Champions League and struggling in the Premier League , Rooney's words put more pressure on Haaland.
Fans are now watching to see if he can step up in the last two league games and show he's got what it takes to be a true star. Everyone wants to know if Haaland can prove Rooney wrong and be the hero City needs.
Also Read: "He was evil": Former Manchester United star confesses Sir Alex Ferguson's methods would land him in jail today
Pep Guardiola defends Erling Haaland’s choiceManchester City's coach, Pep Guardiola, had a different take on Haaland's choice to skip the penalty. He said the players decided on the field that Marmoush should take it, based on how they felt then. Guardiola thought Haaland would want to shoot but didn't force him, saying players know best when it's time to step up.
This shows City trusts its players to make quick decisions, even if they don't always work out. The defeat has cast doubt on City's spirit as a media and on how they cope with bigger games. With only two more matches left, and only a chance to qualify for next year's Champions League, Guardiola would want Haaland to do his best. His backing of Haaland suggests he has faith in his young striker.
But fans are still concerned about Haaland's ability to perform under pressure. The football world is curious if Haaland can turn things around and prove he's ready for the most significant moments. City's season isn't over yet, and Haaland has a chance to show he can lead the team to success despite this setback.
Manchester City's FA Cup loss has put Haaland in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Rooney's harsh words highlight the huge expectations on the young striker, while Guardiola's trust offers hope. With the season nearing its end, Haaland must show he can handle the pressure and lead City forward.
Wayne Rooney , a former hero for Manchester United, said this shows Haaland is not on Messi's or Ronaldo's level. With City not winning anything this season, Haaland's choice has fans and pundits questioning his ability to handle the pressure.
Wayne Rooney slams Erling Haaland's penalty decisionManchester City lost to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final at Wembley, ending their chance to win a trophy this season. Erling Haaland, usually the one to take penalties, shocked fans by giving the ball to Omar Marmoush, who missed the shot. On BBC Sport, Wayne Rooney said this proves Haaland doesn't have the same strong mindset as Messi or Ronaldo, who always want to take big shots.
🗣️ Wayne Rooney on Haaland not taking the penalty vs. Crystal Palace: "Haaland is a world-class forward, but when we're talking about Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, there's no way they're giving that ball away..." pic.twitter.com/MvSF1oTB8W
— The Touchline | Football Coverage (@TouchlineX) May 18, 2025
Rooney thinks Haaland, just back from an injury, might have felt too nervous to take the penalty in such a huge game. This has started a debate about whether Haaland can lead City when things get tough. With City out of the Champions League and struggling in the Premier League , Rooney's words put more pressure on Haaland.
Fans are now watching to see if he can step up in the last two league games and show he's got what it takes to be a true star. Everyone wants to know if Haaland can prove Rooney wrong and be the hero City needs.
Also Read: "He was evil": Former Manchester United star confesses Sir Alex Ferguson's methods would land him in jail today
Pep Guardiola defends Erling Haaland’s choiceManchester City's coach, Pep Guardiola, had a different take on Haaland's choice to skip the penalty. He said the players decided on the field that Marmoush should take it, based on how they felt then. Guardiola thought Haaland would want to shoot but didn't force him, saying players know best when it's time to step up.
This shows City trusts its players to make quick decisions, even if they don't always work out. The defeat has cast doubt on City's spirit as a media and on how they cope with bigger games. With only two more matches left, and only a chance to qualify for next year's Champions League, Guardiola would want Haaland to do his best. His backing of Haaland suggests he has faith in his young striker.
Erling Haaland is the best player in the world - but Arsenal have enough in attack to beat City. https://t.co/KC2LNuq8at
— Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) April 22, 2023
But fans are still concerned about Haaland's ability to perform under pressure. The football world is curious if Haaland can turn things around and prove he's ready for the most significant moments. City's season isn't over yet, and Haaland has a chance to show he can lead the team to success despite this setback.
Manchester City's FA Cup loss has put Haaland in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Rooney's harsh words highlight the huge expectations on the young striker, while Guardiola's trust offers hope. With the season nearing its end, Haaland must show he can handle the pressure and lead City forward.
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