Gianluigi Donnarumma made his debut for Manchester City against Manchester United and he would be over the moon about ending up on the winning side as the hosts won 3-0 at the Etihad Stadium.
Pep Guardiola wanted to sign Donnarumma in 2017 and considering he started the Italian just a few days after he completed his move to City reflected how highly he rates the goalkeeper.
The 26-year-old was tested on a few instances but he stood up tall, particularly when Bryan Mbeumo struck a thunderous volley but it was miraculously saved by the former Paris Saint-Germain number one.
After Manchester City’s emphatic win against Manchester United, the treble-winner had a message to the home fans.
Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma celebrates during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Etihad Stadium
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Gianluigi Donnarumma says ‘Manchester is blue’ after Man City vs Manchester United
Gianluigi Donnarumma would have been keen to show the City supporters that he is the real deal as plenty of questions have been asked about the rationale behind his signing.
Manchester City wholeheartedly back Donnarumma to succeed and on his debut, it was easy to see why as he was assured when he was called into action against Manchester United.
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After the contest, the decorated goalkeeper sent a message to the City fans.
Donnarumma wrote: “Manchester is blue”, which would have endeared him to the supporters.
Erling Haaland provides shock Gianluigi Donnarumma after Man City vs Man United
While Donnarumma’s quality on the ball has been doubted, he looked calm in possession as well.
City’s brand-new number 25 has proven he can be world-class on his day and considering how important goalkeepers are in Pep Guardiola’s system, all eyes will be on him to perform consistently.
However, after Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden handed Haaland the Man of the Match award, the star striker claimed Donnarumma deserved the accolade for his display against Manchester United.
Haaland said on Sky Sports: “Should give it to Gigi [Donnarumma] actually, he was unbelievable.”