‘Happy wife, happy life’ – Maresca eager to keep Haaland fit and firing

Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.

Enzo Maresca likened his relationship with Erling Haaland to the saying “happy wife, happy life”, as he looks to keep the striker in a good mood.

Haaland was the difference-maker for City on Sunday as they defeated Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford, maintaining their perfect start to the Premier League season.

City have won their opening four games in three of the last four Premier League seasons, with Liverpool in 2025-26 and Arsenal this season the only other teams to do so once in that period.

However, Maresca’s side were forced to do things the hard way after Phil Foden was shown a straight red card in the 23rd minute after kicking out at Bruno Fernandes.

Nevertheless, Haaland netted the winner on the hour, although Pro Ref, the governing body previously known as PGMO, admitted the goal should have been disallowed for offside against Enzo Fernandez.

Haaland is now the outright top goalscorer in Premier League Manchester derbies (nine goals), surpassing Sergio Aguero and Wayne Rooney (eight).

“Erling, since he came back from the World Cup, is working very good,” said Maresca.

— Manchester City (@ManCity) September 14, 2026

“For sure, we need to think to give him some rest at some point, because after the World Cup, he cannot continue in the same way all season.

“But in this moment, we are happy with his performance, and then the most important thing is that he is happy. 

“You can see he is happy, not only today, even day by day in the training sessions. As long as we keep Erling happy, we are all happy. 

“How do you say it in English?  Happy wife, happy life? We say, happy Erling, happy life. My wife, she will be upset for sure.”

Haaland has scored four goals in as many league games this season and netted twice in City’s Champions League win over Porto, but is likely to be rested when they host Norwich in the EFL Cup on Thursday.

Premier League News

De Zerbi maintains ‘big confidence’ in Spurs amid goal drought

Premier League News

Arbeloa does not see West Ham as a Championship-level team

Premier League News

Iraola learning which Liverpool players are ‘ready to play every three days’

Premier League News

Maresca claims Man City’s winner was clearly onside but Pro Ref admit error

Premier League News

Hurzeler tells Brighton to stay humble after ‘special’ Coventry win

Premier League News

Dramatic derby win one of Man City’s best, says Haaland

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By using our website you agree to our use of cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.