Erling Haaland throws first punch to Manchester United by revealing he can’t wait to face them

Erling Haaland declared that Manchester City will be his home for the long term after bounding into the Etihad Stadium yesterday.

The 21-year-old’s assured first appearance in front of the club’s supporters came with gentle ribbing of Manchester United – by claiming he found it difficult to say their rivals’ name – and an admission that he collects Sergio Aguero shirts.

Haaland, a £51million signing from Borussia Dortmund, expressed confidence that City can scale new heights in their quest for Champions League glory and described why he opted for the Premier League over La Liga – despite sceptics of the move suggesting he is eventually destined for Real Madrid.

Erling Haaland was unveiled as a Manchester City player earlier today in front of fans

Haaland was greeted by a loud reception and cheers from the supporters in attendance

The forward was the star of the show on a day where City’s new signings were present

‘I signed a five-year deal so we have to start there,’ the striker said. ‘In the end I just had the feeling in my stomach, the feeling with the way they play, everything, I had the feeling for City.

‘I played against them last year and when you meet it is completely different to the TV. I didn’t touch the ball for 25 minutes and it is like, “(Ilkay) Gundogan please stop playing tiki-taka”. It is a different level how they play and that is what I want to be a part of.’

Asked about City’s young squad, he added: ‘It’s not only me and Phil Foden here. There are so many good players. City are already Premier League winners and there is still huge potential.

‘That is a really exciting thing. I’ve said before that the Champions League is my favourite competition, so you have your answer [on targets].’

Haaland was flanked by his father, Alfie, and lawyer, Rafaela Pimenta, as he insisted there is much Pep Guardiola can improve in his game. He praised his inner circle as he embarks on a new journey at his fifth club.

Haland, Julian Alvarez and Stefan Ortega Moreno all appeared on the City stage

The players threw signed footballs into the crowd at the end of the afternoon’s presentation

‘We have been doing every step perfectly, I have a good and small team around me that focus a lot,’ he added.

‘I’ve got really good friends from my hometown, I have people that push me when they should and stop me when they should. I have people around me that make me better.’

Haaland gave more of a jab at United later in the unveiling, revealing his new club’s rivals as the team he is most looking forward to facing in City colours.

Haaland was mobbed by City fans both as he entered the stage and at the end of the show

Kalvin Phillips was the only player absent from the presentation after falling ill

‘Which team are you most looking forward to playing against?’ asked presenter Danny Jackson, as fans goaded the Norwegian for his response.

Haaland paused, before revealing City’s local rivals as his answer.

‘I have to say, I don’t like to say the words, but Manchester United, yeah,’ he said.

The response was greeted by cheers from the crowd and a loud ‘Yes!’ from the host.

Chants of ‘City, City, City!’ rounded up the reaction.

Meanwhile, new central midfielder Kalvin Phillips could not attend the unveiling after falling unwell.