Erling Haaland fired five goals in Norway’s 11-1 demolition of Moldova on Tuesday, sending a clear warning to Manchester United ahead of Sunday’s Premier League derby at the Etihad Stadium.
The Manchester City forward completed a hat-trick within 37 minutes before adding two more in the second half, maintaining his reputation as one of Europe’s deadliest strikers.
His tally takes him to nine goals in the current World Cup qualifiers, the highest by any player.
Norway remain top of their group with a perfect 15 points from five matches, scoring 24 goals and conceding just three.
Rangers midfielder Thelo Aasgaard also netted four times, while Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard and Felix Horn Myhre were among the scorers.
Haaland’s prolific display comes just days before City welcome United in a high-stakes Manchester derby.
The 25-year-old has scored consistently in previous meetings between the rivals, with his current form raising concern for Ruben Amorim’s side.