"I'm sorry, he will score goals all his life" - Pep Guardiola hits back at Erling Haaland's critics after brace in 3-1 Young Boys win 

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola jumped to the defence of his striker Erling Haaland, hitting out at critics who want the Norway international to fail.

Guardiola commented on the situation following the 23-year-old forward's brace in the 3-1 Champions League win against Young Boys on October 25. Haaland scored from the spot in the 67th minute before finding the corner of the net from his right foot in the 86th.

This result ensured that the Manchester side maintained their 100 percent win record in the Champions League and remained on top of Group G.

Speaking after the match, the Manchester City manager said (via Manchester Evening News):

"People expect he has to score four goals. People want him to fail. I'm sorry, he will score goals all his life."

Last season, Haaland scored a stunning 52 goals across all competitions. Elaborating on his comments and addressing the pressure that the previous campaign has created this year, Guardiola added:

"Erling has the pressure after last season but he has to seven goals every single game and it is impossible. He is happy and he will score a lot of goals, people want him to fail because he doesn't score 50 goals. We know it but it doesn't matter."

This season, Haaland has scored nine Premier League goals in as many matches while managing to open his account in the Champions League against Young Boys.

Up next for the Cityzens is the Manchester derby in the Premier League on Sunday, October 29. The English top-tier champions are currently placed second in the league, two points behind leaders Tottenham Hotspur.

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Arsenal legend Thierry Henry snubs Erling Haaland in Ballon d'Or race

Erling Haaland (via Getty Images).

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry claims Lionel Messi should win this year's Ballon d'Or award over Manchester City striker Erling Haaland. Last season, the Norway international bagged 52 goals and helped his side win the treble in club football.

Meanwhile, Messi led his Argentina to World Cup success in Qatar last year. He scored seven goals and assisted three times in the competition, including a brace in the final against France.

When asked who should win the award by pundit Jamie Carragher, Henry replied (via Goal):

"For me, Messi. Bye. Over.”

Should the former Gunners' forward's wish come true, Messi would claim his eighth Ballon d'Or title, three more than his arch-rival Cristiano Ronaldo. The result for this year's Ballon d'Or will be announced on October 30 in Paris.