Erling Haaland tipped to beat incredible Cristiano Ronaldo record after prolific start to new season with Man City

Haaland starred with a brace and an assist on Saturday as City thrashed Burnley 5-1 at home. The Norway international has displayed stellar form for Pep Guardiola's side in the current season, after he experienced an injury-plagued 2024-25 campaign, when City's performances also plummeted. 

Speaking to TalkSPORT Bet, former Scotland international Ally McCoist said: "The fact that we are talking about Erling Haaland potentially beating Cristiano Ronaldo’s [Champions League] record is crazy, I could never have seen Ronaldo's record being beaten, ever. But you have to say, if he stays injury free, he could beat that and all sorts of records. I'm even thinking to myself, Alan Shearer, not only does Alan Shearer want Harry Kane to stay at Bayern Munich, he wants Erling Haaland to go to Barcelona or Real Madrid. I know Al well, and he's a great lad, and he'll be looking at that record going, Jesus, somebody's coming for it. Somebody's coming for it. If he can keep himself fit. 

"I've been really impressed with Haaland this season. Not just with his goals, but actually, his all-round play. When I say his all-round play, he's never going to be Zinedine Zidane. He's never going to take it in half turn, beat somebody, come back on, beat two players. That's not his game. But where I've really enjoyed him, surprisingly, I've enjoyed watching him defend. He's got back and he's won so many headers in his own box, proper team player, which is great to see."

Ronaldo is the current top scorer in the history of the Champions League after netting 140 goals in the competition during his career.

McCoist added: "But I'm just looking at his team Manchester City. I think they had lost the fear factor a little bit. I think they've actually recovered well, couple of defeats. I know I was at the game against Tottenham. But the one thing about City, if they do lose the fear factor, I think clubs will maybe open up and have a go at them, which will suit Haaland. 

"His goal at Arsenal was a perfect example of that counter-attack where he wins the ball and keeps the run going. The pass was perfect and once he gets that ball out of his feet, you know he's finishing. I'm just thinking teams might get lulled in a little bit to having a go at City more than they would in recent years and I think that will suit Haaland."

England captain Harry Kane became the fastest player to reach 100 goals for a club in Europe's top five leagues after he bagged a brace for Bayern Munich against Werder Bremen on Friday in the Bundesliga.