Gianluigi Donnarumma enjoyed a winning start to life at Manchester Unitedplaceholder image
Gianluigi Donnarumma enjoyed a winning start to life at Manchester United | Getty Images
Manchester City kick-started their campaign with an impressive 3-0 victory over Man Utd at the weekend.
The 26-year-old made his City debut in the Manchester derby and provided the solid foundations for their attacking flair to secure a simple three points. Although he was rarely called into action, Donnarumma provided a strong presence from set-pieces and made a crucial stop to deny Bryan Mbeumo in the second half.
At full-time, City star Erling Haaland labelled Donnarumma as 'unbelievable' and even claimed he might hand his Player of the Match award to his newest teammate after such an impressive debut performance.
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Those thoughts were echoed by fellow star Jeremy Doku, who grabbed two assists in the derby win but was equally as impressed by the performance of the new goalkeeper. Speaking after the win, the Belgian winger was asked for his first impressions of the Italy international.
“He’s secure," Doku told reporters. "You know that on the high balls with his length and with his power that he will always come out. Today, first game in a derby, three goals and a clean sheet. I'm sure he's happy with that.”
Asked for his impressions on Donnarumma as a person, he added: “Top guy. We laugh a lot. He speaks French as well. We're happy to have him of course.”
City hope their comfortable victory over United can provide the springboard for a fine run of form in the coming weeks and they face a tough test with matches against both Napoli and Arsenal later this week. There is a lot for Pep Guardiola's new-look side to learn, but Doku believes his teammates are adapting after so many changes in the summer.
He added: “I think every season is different. Different players, different style. I think also the opponents are different against us. They play more man-man sometimes. Previously they were more laid back.
“But I feel like the players are adapting, the new players are adapting. We are starting to understand the way of playing with each other. Sometimes you need time. Today was a good day so I'm happy with that.”
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