“He’s got one game to do it, hasn’t he?” - Rio Ferdinand on whether Erling Haaland can break incredible Cristiano Ronaldo record ahead of UCL clash
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has shared his thoughts about Erling Haaland potentially breaking an incredible Cristiano Ronaldo record ahead of the Champions League's return this week. The former defender backed the Manchester City forward to overtake the Portuguese icon and become the fastest player to score 100 goals for a single club.
Ronaldo holds the record, achieving the feat during his time at Real Madrid, reaching a century of goals in just 105 appearances. However, that record is now at stake, all thanks to Haaland.
The Manchester City striker is in line to overtake the five-time Ballon d'Or winner. The Norwegian has scored an incredible 99 goals in 103 appearances since switching to the Etihad from Borussia Dortmund in 2022.
Speaking on his YouTube channel "Rio Ferdinand Presents", Ferdinand backed Erling Haaland to break Cristiano Ronaldo's record.
“Yeah, he can. I think he’s got one game to do it, hasn’t he?” the former Manchester United defender said.
“He can equal it in the Champions League this week and then beat it at the weekend [or against Watford mid-week in the Carabao Cup]. I’m saying yes. I think he beats it," he added.
Haaland will get the chance to reach the milestone when Manchester City take on Inter Milan in their Champions League opener at the Etihad on Wednesday night (September 18). He will get another crack at the record when the Cityzens face Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday, September 22.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Erling Haaland in sublime goalscoring form this season
The 2024-25 kicked off to see even more magic from Erling Haaland in front of goal. The Norwegian has found the back of the net in all four Premier League games, scoring against Chelsea, Ipswich Town, West Ham United, and Brentford. His numbers read nine goals, including two hat-tricks, in four league games.
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo is showing no signs of slowing down. The Al-Nassr superstar has scored four times in five appearances across competitions this season.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner will his side's attack when they clash with Al-Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League on Friday, September 20.