Since joining the Premier League champions for £51 million ($57 million) from Borussia Dortmund in the offseason, Haaland has had a sensational start with City.
With 14 goals in nine games in all competitions for City, the Norway striker will put United's recent recovery to the test in his first Manchester derby.
This season, Haaland has only been denied a goal once in the Premier League, but United manager Ten Hag may have the answer to taming the prolific 22-year-old.
Ten Hag looks to Martinez
Last season, when Ten Hag's Ajax met Dortmund in the Champions League group stage, they prevented Haaland from scoring and triumphed thanks in large part to an amazing performance by a tenacious defender now playing for United.
In the summer transfer window, Ten Hag brought Martinez to Old Trafford in a deal that could reach around £57 million, and the 24-year-old is already producing commanding displays.
Haaland, at 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 meters), will tower over Martinez, the Premier League's shortest center back at 5 feet 9 inches.
However, the Argentine's tiny frame does not prevent him from engaging rival strikers in combat.
"Murderer of Amsterdam"
Martinez's savage tackling has already won him cult hero status among Manchester United fans, living up to the "Butcher of Amsterdam" moniker bestowed to him by Ajax.
Martinez has strengthened a unit that was United's Achilles heel last season by partnering with Raphael Varane in the middle defense after Harry Maguire was dropped after two games.
United have won each of the five matches in which Ten Hag has paired Martinez and Varane in the center of the defense. The Argentine is referred to as a "fighter" by Ten Hag, who praises his "attitude and fighting spirit."
Keeping Haaland scoreless at the Etihad Stadium, though, may be difficult if Martinez does not receive enough assistance from his teammates.
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"We don't play against Haaland, we play against Man City," stated Ten Hag. "We're confident in our talents. If we act as a team, we will be able to defeat our opponents.
"We must consider ourselves. With a solid game strategy, we must perform at our best. The next step is execution. We must give our all."
"The most significant game"
The predatory instincts of Haaland make City appear even more formidable than they were last season, when they won the Premier League title despite lacking an exceptional central striker.
Pep Guardiola, though, is well aware that Martinez might provide a significant obstacle to Haaland's aspirations of extending his scoring streak to seven consecutive club games.
"Erling is taller. However, based on my experience, I have no doubts about Martinez. It's not the first time he's faced strikers taller than him, according to Guardiola.
Similar to Haaland, Ten Hag will enter the Manchester derby for the first time.
"I've participated in many derbies. I am aware that those are the most crucial game," remarked Ten Hag.
Ten Hag vs Guardiola
Ten Hag may be new to the battle for Manchester bragging rights, but he is familiar with Guardiola.
Guardiola was the manager of Bayern Munich when Ten Hag led the club's reserve squad, and the Spaniard once suggested that Ten Hag may one day replace him as City manager.
Ten Hag stated, "It's a lovely compliment, but I'm 100 percent certain I chose Manchester United with everything I had, and I don't regret it for a second."
On Friday, Ten Hag was voted the Premier League manager of the month for September after United's crisis-like start to his tenure, which was precipitated by consecutive losses.
Second-placed City are five points ahead of fifth-placed United, and Guardiola warned his team not to be distracted by the frenetic atmosphere of the rivalry.
"We have to figure out what they're going to do, but there's no need for extra emotions; everyone is aware of the situation," he said.
Manchester United against Manchester City Live broadcast and streaming information
What date will Manchester City's 2022-23 Premier League match against Manchester United be played?
Sunday, October 2 will host the Premier League 2022-23 encounter between Manchester City and Manchester United.
What time does Manchester City's 2022-23 Premier League match against Manchester United begin?
Manchester City vs. Manchester United's 2022-23 Premier League match will commence at 6:30 p.m. IST.
Where will Manchester City and Manchester United play in the Premier League during the 2022-23 season?
Manchester City and Manchester United's 2022-23 Premier League match will be contested at Etihad Stadium.
Which television networks will air the 2022-23 Premier League match between Manchester City and Manchester United?
The 2022-23 Premier League match between Manchester City and Manchester United will be broadcast in India on Star Sports Network.
How do I watch the live stream of Manchester City vs. Manchester United in the 2022-23 Premier League season?
The 2022-23 Premier League match between Manchester City and Manchester United will be aired live on the app and website of Disney+Hotstar.
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