That's why he's not Messi or Ronaldo — Rooney slams Haaland for dodging responsibility in FA Cup defeat to Eagles

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney was critical of Erling Haaland’s decision to pass on the penalty-taking decision to Omar Marmoush in Manchester City’s 1-0 FA Cup defeat to Crystal Palace earlier today. 

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Manchester City dominated early, but Crystal Palace took the lead against the run of play. Daniel Munoz delivered a precise cross for Eberechi Eze to volley home.

The turning point came when Tyrick Mitchell's rash challenge on Bernardo Silva earned City a penalty. Erling Haaland passed the responsibility to Omar Marmoush, but goalkeeper Dean Henderson made a stunning one-handed save to deny the Egyptian forward. 

Despite City's relentless pressure and the introduction of debutant Claudio Echeverri, Henderson remained solid, and Palace held on for a historic win, their first-ever FA Cup title. 

Haaland has been one of the best footballers in the world in recent years, and Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has not shied away from comparing him to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the aspect of goalscoring.

For Rooney, however, the unselfish decision to hand the penalty responsibility to Marmoush was a trait that put him behind the two greats, as neither of them would shy away from the task

“Erling Haaland is a world-class forward, but when we're talking about Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, there's no way they're giving that ball away,” Rooney said, per the BBC.

“That's what separates them two players from Erling Haaland or Kylian Mbappe and these players. They are selfish and they want to score every game. When he misses chances, I think you can see it gets to him and it does affect him.

“Maybe the thought of taking a penalty at Wembley might have been too much for him. You never know; he's a human being.”