Manchester United Were Unwilling to Commit £130M for Ex-PSG Star | OneFootball

Gianluigi Donnarumma made his Manchester City debut in the derby against Manchester United after completing a late transfer window move from PSG.

The Italian goalkeeper joined City for around €35 million (£30.3 million), with the Premier League side capitalizing on the opportunity to bring in a UEFA Champions League winner in his prime as Ederson’s successor.

In the Manchester Derby on September 14, Donnarumma produced two important saves to deny United. Although he wasn’t heavily tested throughout the match, his display still drew positive reviews from the English press.

Manchester United Needed to Spend Big for Former PSG Star

(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

The Telegraph reports that Manchester United backed away from pursuing Donnarumma, with the combined transfer fee and wage demands estimated at roughly £130 million.

Nonetheless, so far, the signing has worked out for Manchester City, considering Donnarumma has recorded back-to-back clean sheets.

After the 3-0 win over the Red Devils, manager Pep Guardiola spoke to the media and shared high thoughts on the former PSG standout’s performance in a major game for them.

“We know we bought a player with incredible experience in the national team with Italy; his performance beating England in that tournament was massive,” Guardiola said. “And last season with PSG, [and] for many years, but especially last season.

“The moment he was on the market, he was happy to come to the Premier League – to enjoy this new adventure in his life. We are really pleased that he wanted to come to us. And after the [Ederson] situation, it was possible. We are happy to have him!”