Erling Haaland was named the Premier League Man of the Match for his display against Man United, but the striker claims another Man City player should have won it.
Manchester City claimed a huge three points in the derby as Haaland’s brace and Phil Foden’s first-half strike secured the win for Pep Guardiola’s team.
Defeats to Brighton and Tottenham mean that they are only eighth in the table, but against United, the former Premier League champions looked much improved.
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Haaland and Foden stole the headlines during the win, although the Norwegian claims there was another star performer for City instead.
Erling Haaland and Donnarumma during Man City vs Man United.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Erling Haaland thinks Gianluigi Donnarumma was MOTM vs Man United
Erling Haaland believes that new signing Gianluigi Donnarumma was actually the Man of the Match in City’s 3-0 win in the Manchester Derby.
Donnarumma spoke highly of Haaland during the international break, and the Norwegian returned the favour after the derby day win.
The striker claimed that the Italian international was actually ‘unbelievable’ against United and made sure to make the point after the win.
After being handed the Man of the Match award to give to Haaland, Foden said on Sky Sports: “Here you go, mate, Man of the Match award for you.”
Meanwhile, Haaland responded by claiming: “Should give it to Gigi [Donnarumma] actually, he was unbelievable.”
Donnarumma impressed for Italy during the international break and continued his form into his Premier League debut.
TBR Football understands that City signed Donnarumma for £25m, and it could actually prove to be one of the best signings of the summer transfer window if his debut was anything to go by.
Erling Haaland hails Phil Foden’s Man City display
Haaland also hailed Foden’s display in the Manchester derby as the winger showed glimpses of getting back to his best.
The 24-year-old claims he’s been waiting for a performance like that from his City teammate and hopes he can now continue his form into next week’s game against Arsenal.
Haaland said: “We have to keep this guy going because we need him so much, and today he was superb.
“This is the Phil we need, all of Man City are waiting for this, and we’re going to help him as much as we can to make him as good as he was the season before last.”