Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel has said that he tried to bring Gianluigi Donnarumma to Old Trafford before his move from Paris Saint-Germain to Manchester City.
The Italy international signed for Pep Guardiola’s side on deadline day from Les Parisiens. He had a fine debut against the Red Devils, keeping a clean sheet at the Etihad Stadium.
Donnarumma pulled off a tremendous save to deny Bryan Mbeumo. Speaking to CBS Sports, Schmeichel revealed that he had been talking with Donnarumma for more than a year.
The United icon asked him to come to the Red Devils from Les Parisiens. Donnarumma said he was happy, only to end up joining arch-rivals Man City from the Champions League holders.
He said: “That’s why I am not an agent. I have been talking to him for actually more than a year. Pulled him, and I asked you to come to Man United, and you are in the wrong club here, and all he said was I am happy.”
The 26-year-old has joined the Cityzens on the back of a tremendous campaign with PSG. He was hugely instrumental in the victories over Liverpool, Aston Villa and Arsenal in the knock-out phase.
The £35 million-rated star was pushed through the exit door by manager Luis Enrique earlier this summer, and many felt that United could capitalise and bring him as a replacement for Andre Onana.
However, Donnarumma had a clear focus on joining Pep Guardiola and City. He can’t be blamed for the decision, given that the Cityzens are in a better place to compete for major silverware.
United, on the other hand, are under a major transition under manager Ruben Amorim. They have signed a highly-rated shot-stopper in Senne Lammens, who could make his debut soon.
Altay Bayindir remains an undisputed starter in the league this campaign, but an error or two from the Turkish ace could pave the way for Lammens to make his maiden appearance.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com