Erling Haaland was awarded the official Player of the Match awardplaceholder image
Erling Haaland was awarded the official Player of the Match award | Sky Sports
The unsung hero shone as Manchester City defeated Man Utd in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.
City piled more pressure on their local rivals with a comfortable win on Sunday afternoon, after a goal from Phil Foden and a brilliant brace from Haaland. Pep Guardiola’s side were posed little threat throughout the match, but it didn't stop Donnarumma from catching the eye in what was a commanding first performance for the club.
The 26-year-old was confident in the City goal throughout the contest and made a brilliant stop in the second half to deny Bryan Mbeumo a potential lifeline for United. It could have been a different result without the performance of Donnarumma and after the game, Haaland was quick to praise his new teammate.
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As part of his post-match media duties, Haaland was presented with the official Premier League Player of the Match award but insisted that Donnarumma deserved recognition for his contribution.
“Don’t forget about Donnarumma! He’s been fantastic today," the Norwegian striker said. “I might give him my Man of the Match Award! He was unbelievable."
Those thoughts were echoed by head coach Guardiola who was pleased with the performance of his deadline day signing. City paid an initial £26 million to sign the PSG goalkeeper just months after they had £27m to bring James Trafford back to the club from Burnley.
Donnarumma got the nod for the huge clash against United and Guardiola was delighted with the decision: "He played really good. Corners, and especially the save from Mbeumo. I liked the save and the reaction from Josko, Ruben, Rodri. When the team share the emotions in the good moments and the bad. That is what they have to create.
"We know we bought a player with incredible experience, with Italy, last season with PSG. Many years, but especially last season. He was happy in Paris but the moment he could come to the Premier League he wanted to come with us. After the situation was possible and we are happy to have him."
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