Man City fan who mobbed Erling Haaland in Sheffield United win identified as former world boxing champion

When Erling Haaland finally opened the scoring for Manchester City at Sheffield United on Saturday he was mobbed by a ‘fan’. 

On closer inspection though - it was clear this just wasn’t any City supporter - it was former world boxing champion Terry Flanagan. 

Haaland had earlier missed a penalty before nodding home Jack Grealish’s cross just after the hour mark. Celebrating in front of the away end, Flanagan saw his chance and leapt onto the striker's back, with other City players joining in the good natured celebrations. Flanagan had time to give Haaland a big embrace, and a quick kiss, before being hauled away by stewards. 

Jayden Bogle would fire an 85th-minute equaliser for the Blades only for Rodri to win in late on for the champions who made it three wins out of three to continue their perfect start to the new season. 

Ancoats fighter Flanagan won the WBO World lightweight title in 2015 and defended the belt several times.  The 34-year-old, who last fought in 2019, has also unsuccessfully challenged for world honours in the super-lightweight division. Like fellow fighter Ricky Hatton, he’s made no secret of his City affiliation over the years, appearing on the pitch at the Etihad and donning a club shirt at press conferences promoting his fights.

As for Haaland, City assistant Juanma Lillo - standing in for Pep Guardiola - believes the Norwegian's goal showed his strength of character having missed several earlier chances, including from the spot.

“Today would have been difficult for any striker, how it played out in the first half," he said. “Of course there was the situation with the penalty, which is frustrating for anyone, but that could happen to any striker, not just Erling.

“What it does show is that, and not just because he scored, because he came close on a couple of other occasions as well, came really close with (another) header, that it really shows his mental fortitude to keep going and keep going. That’s something that’s really difficult to find and he showed it throughout.

“He’s a very young lad and his mindset is so good that, OK he’s missed a penalty, but he’s come back now and he wants to keep going and keep trying to score these goals.”