Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel gave his honest verdict on Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma in the Citizens’ 3-0 derby win on Sunday.
Gianluigi Donnarumma was in fine form on his debut for Manchester City, thwarting his opponents on a number of occasions and bagging a clean sheet.
At the other end, Erling Haaland built on his amazing international break with a brace against City’s arch-rivals, with Phil Foden also getting on the scoresheet.
Peter Schmeichel, one of the best goalkeepers of his generation, shared what he noticed about Donnarumma on his first game for City.
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Gianluigi Donnarumma of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Etihad Stadium on September 14, 2025
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Peter Schmeichel says it’s clear Manchester City trust Gianluigi Donnarumma
Schmeichel said it was very clear why City wanted Donnarumma and how much Pep Guardiola trusts him already, just by watching him in the first half.
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“Donnarumma has shown exactly why Pep Guardiola has signed him,” Schmeichel told the Premier League media team.
“We’ve already seen why he is here. They trust him, you can see that. He has played really well this first 45 minutes.”
Schmeichel then delivered a brutal verdict about his former side at full time, whilst downplaying City’s display.
“Looking at the team I can’t help but feel it’s moved nowhere. It’s just the same,” said the Dane.
“Manchester City didn’t need to play exceptionally well. City aren’t back to the side that were winning championships – they just gave it to them today.
“If you tally up the chances, United may have probably had more.”
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How Gianluigi Donnarumma fared against Manchester United
If you had to pick any player to endure a baptism of fire in the big derby, it would be a reigning Champions League superstar in his prime.
And Donnarumma certainly delivered, dealing superbly with every cross that came his way and being a commanding presence throughout.
Indeed, Donnarumma did so well that Man United fans were envious of Man City signing him.
The Italian pulled off a great save from Benjamin Sesko in the first half and then made the most of his giant frame to thwart Bryan Mbeumo at 2-0.
Donnarumma made two saves – including one inside the box – and punched the ball away three times.
He also cleared the ball three times and won one aerial duel.
As for Donnarumma’s distribution, 15 of his 27 passes were accurate and six of his 18 long-ball deliveries found the target.