Man City given Erling Haaland instruction to solve dilemma vs Nottingham Forest

Manchester City have been told how to utilise Erling Haaland for the remainder of the season.

The striker has come in for criticism in recent weeks, despite scoring in each of his last two league games. Haaland, who has 31 goals in 39 games overall, was substituted against Real Madrid due to injury earlier this month and the 23-year-old has since missed the club’s last two games.

On Thursday night, Pep Guardiola’s team produced a dominant display against Brighton, with Haaland’s replacement, Julian Alvarez, helping to get the best out of Phil Foden and Kevin De Bruyne. The win led to suggestions that City perform better without Haaland in the starting XI. Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp has given his verdict on Guardiola’s dilemma ahead of facing Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

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Asked whether Haaland would start against Forest, Redknapp said: “I think he does, but even if he says you are going to come off the bench, it’s not going to be the end of the world. No one has a divine right to play, but this Haaland debate is going to rage because of what has happened [against Brighton]. But, Haaland won the treble last year, let’s not disrespect what the guy has done there.

“There is a lot of chat about what he can’t do, but what he can do is be one of the best goalscorers and if they get a big moment in the game when it’s really tight, who do they want in front of goal to finish it? It will be Haaland.

“If he’s fit I am sure he might play because [Pep Guardiola] will want to keep rotating and keep everyone fit and