Erling Haaland may have grabbed the headlines with his brace in Manchester City’s 3-0 derby win over Manchester United, but the Norwegian striker was quick to hand the plaudits to new teammate Gianluigi Donnarumma after the Italian’s commanding debut.
City paid an initial £26 million to bring Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain late in the transfer window, just months after re-signing James Trafford from Burnley for a similar fee. The Italian arrived with a wealth of experience, having already won Euro 2020 with Italy and enjoyed four years in Paris, but his decision to swap Ligue 1 for the Premier League is already paying off.
Haaland, who received the Premier League’s official Player of the Match award on Sunday, insisted it should have gone to the goalkeeper instead, as he was quoted by Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano via his official X account.
He Posted:
Don’t forget about Donnarumma! He’s been fantastic today. I might give him my Man of the Match award! He was unbelievable
City were rarely troubled as Phil Foden’s opener set the tone before Haaland struck twice in the second half, but United could have clawed their way back when Bryan Mbeumo broke through. Donnarumma reacted brilliantly, spreading himself wide to deny the forward and keep the scoreline comfortable. It was the standout moment of the 26-year-old’s first appearance in English football, one that earned immediate praise from both teammates and manager.
Pep Guardiola, who handed the Italian a surprise start in such a high-profile fixture, backed Haaland’s view, claiming the Italian goalie was really good, particularly highlighting his big save against Mbuemo that drew pleasant surprises and uncontrolled emotions from his players.
For Haaland, the derby win reinforced City’s dominance, but his words ensured Donnarumma’s debut heroics did not go unnoticed.
