“Obviously” – Erling Haaland reveals hilarious Manchester United conversation with girlfriend | OneFootball

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has discussed his obsession with watching football, even away from his on-field activities with his own club.

As one of world football’s most intense professionals, Haaland’s fascination with the sport is far from limited to his day job at the Etihad Stadium, repeatedly studying other forwards, monitoring trends in the game, and maintaining the relentless mindset that has seen him break goalscoring records under Pep Guardiola.

His all-consuming approach has been a significant part of his continued rise, especially during a campaign in which several Manchester City players have found themselves under scrutiny or juggling uncertainty about their future roles.

Erling Haaland’s commitment sits in stark contrast to some of the wider concerns around squad planning at City, with officials also monitoring long-term attacking options. Recent reports have highlighted how the club keep contingency plans active in every department and within that culture of assessment, Haaland’s dedication remains one of the most stable pillars.

Now, speaking on the latest edition of The Rest is Football podcast with Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer, Erling Haaland was quizzed on whether he has opportunity or a desire to watch and engage with more football even away from Manchester City.

“Yeah, I’m a football fan, so I watch all kinds of football,” Haaland admitted, before revealing a telling exchange with his girlfriend, Isabel Haugseng Johansen.

“Actually, yesterday, we were eating dinner and I checked if there were any games,” Haaland continued. “Man United, West Ham’s on, let’s put it on.

“My missus said, ‘I’m so sick of football. We watch it all the time.’ I’m like, ‘Yeah, that’s the reason we are sitting here.’

“So we watched it, obviously.”

The humorous exchange highlights the striker’s unshakeable devotion to the game – even when the fixture in question involves Manchester United at a time when some presume the Norwegian would be taking some time away from the game amid a congested schedule.

It also offers a glimpse into the personal side of a player Manchester City view as central to the club’s medium-term project, especially amid broader squad decisions expected over the coming seasons.

Looking ahead, Erling Haaland’s off-field mindset could prove just as important as his on-field contributions. With City navigating future transfer priorities – including long-term attacking depth, contract strategies, and the evolving tactical demands under Pep Guardiola – the Norwegian’s commitment will continue to shape the club’s attacking identity.