Manchester City's star signing Erling Haaland missed out on a chance to make his debut as the Premier League champions started their North American tour with victory over Club America in Houston. But he is expected to play his first minutes under Pep Guardiola during the high-profile clash with Bayern Munich on Saturday.
Haaland told City fans on social media that he expects to make his debut against the German giants. The former Borussia Dortmund striker, who turned 22 on Thursday, replied to a birthday message on Twitter by saying: "Thanks! Debut vs Bayern Inshallah".
The clash will be the first major football match at the historic Lambeau Field - home of 13-time NFL champions Green Bay Packers - in Wisconsin. The match starts 3am overnight UAE time.
The Norwegian watched from the bench as City beat Club America 2-1, with Kevin de Bruyne scoring twice.
City's Algerian star Riyad Mahrez said he was looking forward to teaming up with the youngster.
“He’s a very good addition to the team. Like I have already said, he’s a very good player and he's young,” Mahrez said of Haaland on Manchester City's website.
“It’ll be good to have him. I don't know until we start playing games together - we will see [about the connection].
“It’s different qualities than Raheem [Sterling] and Gabriel (Jesus), but it won't change the way we play."
The 21-year-old Norwegian, one of European football's highest rated players, enjoyed a prolific spell in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund.
Haaland scored 86 goals in 89 games for Dortmund and has 20 in 21 appearances for Norway. He agreed to join Guardiola's side after City triggered his £51 million ($63m) release clause.
De Bruyne double seals win over Club America
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Manchester City's Kevin de Bruyne takes a shot during a pre-season friendly match at NRG Stadium, Houston against Club America. City won the math 2-1, with De Bruyne scoring both City goals. PA -
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland acknowledges the crowd during their pre-season friendly against Club America on July 20, 2022 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. Haaland, who turned 22, was left on the bench and denied his City debut. AFP -
Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne celebrates scoring their first goal with teammate Riyad Mahrez. PA -
Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City celebrates after scoring hiss second goal. AFP -
Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne celebrates scoring their first goal. PA -
Manchester City's Erling Haaland looks on from the bench. AFP -
Manchester City's Jack Grealish in action. PA -
Alvaro Fidalgo of Club America is challenged by Julian Alvarez of Manchester City. AFP -
Manchester City midfielder Jack Grealish, middle, has words with Club America goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa. AP Photo -
Manchester City's Kalvin Phillips warms up. PA -
Jack Grealish of Manchester City appeals for a foul. AFP -
Club América's Pedro Aquino, top, falls onto Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez. AP Photo -
Julian Alvarez of Manchester City runs with the ball. AFP
