Ferdinand warns Haaland he could struggle at Man City unless he does one thing

Erling Haaland will likely have to go through a bedding-in period when he arrives at Manchester City and may have to ‘suppress any ego’ to get through it, reckons Rio Ferdinand.

The Norwegian striker is due to arrive at the Etihad from Borussia Dortmund as the Premier League champions add another world class talent to their incredible squad.

The 21-year-old has quickly established himself as one of the most feared forwards on the planet and will be hoping to step up another level under Pep Guardiola at City.

Few doubt that Haaland will be a big hit, but there is acceptance that it could take some time for the striker to settle into Guardiola’s unique methods and make the most of the role he will be asked to play.

This has happened to City stars under the Spaniard in the past and Ferdinand says it will need Haaland to keep his ego in check, accept that things may not be perfect from the start and be willing to learn to fit in.

‘There could be a bedding-in period where we don’t see the Haaland we expect to see immediately,’ Ferdinand said on Vibe with FIVE.

‘What Pep’s had with City when big players have come in, they get a bedding-in period. It’s an understanding: this is hard, you don’t hit the ground running all the time.

‘The biggest part of that is the humility of the players that struggle. They don’t moan and kick up a fuss. That’s where Haaland has to play his part if it doesn’t go right. Suppress any ego… the bigger picture is not disturbing the morale of the squad.’

Bernardo Silva is one player who took time to find his feet at City, while Joao Cancelo also didn’t sparkle from the off. Jack Grealish is another who has not really stood out since his £100m move from Aston Villa last year, but Ferdinand reckons he will find top form next season.

‘He [Grealish] told me there’s so much more to think about going into a team that’s prepared by Pep Guardiola,’ said Ferdinand.

‘You give him a year, now he’s probably got a better understanding of it. That’s why next season we’ll see the Jack we know he can be.’

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