A current member of Manchester City’s squad was keen on joining Man United before making his move to the Etihad Stadium.
This summer was a busy one for City as major changes took place at the Premier League giants, both on and off the field, following an underwhelming 2024/25 campaign.
Signings such as Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki, and Gianluigi Donnarumma had fans very excited during the summer transfer window, but the Manchester club’s supporters will not be too happy to learn that one of these names preferred to move to their rivals, Man United.
However, the Red Devils could not get a deal done, and as a result, Manchester City benefited from their misfortune.
Gianluigi Donnarumma celebrates during Manchester City v Manchester United.
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Gianluigi Donnarumma preferred a move to Man United
Man City completed the £30m signing of Gianluigi Donnarumma on deadline day, but it has now been revealed that the Italian preferred a move to Man United, who were also in the race for the former PSG star.
“I’m not 100% certain of this, but what I have heard, which isn’t always accurate, is that Donnarumma preferred United over City initially, because of the glamour of United,” journalist Rory Smith said on Football Daily’s Monday Night Club.
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“But United couldn’t get close to the money that he wanted, and City could. So he was perfectly happy to do that.”
Paul Scholes thinks Man United not signing Donnarumma is one of the biggest mistakes the Manchester club have made in recent years, and the former midfielder will not be happy to learn that the 26-year-old was open to the move.
Coincidentally, Donnarumma made his debut against the Red Devils, and their decision came back to bite them immediately as the Italian impressed in the Manchester derby, pulling off an impressive save from a Bryan Mbeumo shot in the second half of the match.
Gianluigi Donnarumma would have been a perfect signing for Man United
Donnarumma is exactly what Man United need at present as the Italian is a top shot-stopper, has plenty of experience at the highest level, and is a leader in the dressing room.
Instead, the Manchester club went in the opposite direction by signing young talent Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp, a decision many fans of the Red Devils have questioned.
Player Games Goals Conceded Clean Sheet Minutes
Gianluigi Donnarumma 47 43 17 4192
Senne Lammens 44 56 10 3960
Gianluigi Donnarumma and Senne Lammens’ 24/25 stats
Only time will tell if United have made the right decision, but at present, that does not look to be the case following Donnarumma’s performance in the Manchester derby.
The Italian now looks set to be Pep Guardiola’s goalkeeper for many years, and Man United will be reminded of their mistake every year until the 26-year-old departs the Premier League.