Jeremy Doku reveals how he scored personal victory over Manchester United before kick-off | OneFootball

Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku has offered a personal insight into how he had scored a personal victory over Manchester United before kick-off against Ruben Amorim’s side.

The Belgian was one of Pep Guardiola’s standout performers in Sunday’s derby, lighting up the Etihad Stadium in City’s 3-0 victory. While the headlines may have centred on his explosive runs and direct threat down the flank, Doku has revealed the true source of his joy.

It comes during a period where Manchester City’s attacking department has faced challenges, with Pep Guardiola juggling injuries and absences across his squad, with Rayan Aït-Nouri suffering a five-week setback and Omar Marmoush spotted on crutches with Egypt.

As such, Doku’s rise in importance has become even more significant, with the former Rennes man increasingly shouldering responsibility in the final third, and his mentality off the pitch clearly playing a role in his growing influence.

For Pep Guardiola, Jeremy Doku’s consistency has been a key element of Manchester City’s renewed form after a turbulent winter. Alongside the likes of Phil Foden, the 23-year-old has stepped into a bigger role following Kevin De Bruyne’s summer exit to Napoli.

Speaking to reporters after a stellar individual performance against Manchester United on Sunday afternoon, Doku revealed how he felt he had already won prior to kick-off given personal circumstances beyond the action on the football pitch.

“If I can be honest, it was already a victory for me. Why? Because I knew that after the game I’m going to baptise myself, I’m going to be baptised,” Doku revealed.

“Maybe that’s why I felt like I was pushed today. That’s why I’m very happy with the performance as well. I was already excited before the game because I knew that it was a victory day. There’s nothing more important to me than faith,” he continued.

The Manchester City forward added, “As a Christian, when you get baptised, your old nature, your old sinful nature dies, and you start living with God. You resurrect with God, with Jesus Christ.

“You can do that as a kid but normally it’s meant for when you’re older and you really realise what you’re doing, so that’s what I’m going to do.”

Jeremy Doku’s words underline a personal side to a player often celebrated for his blistering ability, and his faith appears to be a driving factor in how he approaches the game, adding another layer to his story at City since arriving at the Etihad Stadium in the summer of 2023.

Looking forward, Pep Guardiola will hope that Doku’s confidence and inner drive continue to translate into match-winning performances. With a Champions League reunion with De Bruyne and Napoli looming, City will need every ounce of his motivation and form.

If Doku can sustain the balance between his spiritual commitments and professional demands, he may emerge not only as one of Pep Guardiola’s most important players this season but also as a leader within a squad navigating transition and injuries.