Insider Explains Man Utd’s Transfer Decision on Former PSG Star Before Man City Move | OneFootball

After sealing a late transfer from PSG, Gianluigi Donnarumma went straight into Manchester City’s starting lineup for the derby clash with Manchester United—and wasted little time leaving a strong impression.

City secured the Italian goalkeeper for around €35 million (£30.3 million), landing a UEFA Champions League winner in his prime to take over from Ederson.

In Sunday’s Manchester Derby, Donnarumma produced two key saves to deny United. It wasn’t the busiest outing, but his composure and sharp stops drew praise from the English media.

Manchester United had the opportunity to secure the UEFA Champions League winner this summer after it was clear that his time with PSG was over. However, the Red Devils opted for another shot-stopper.

Why Manchester United Stayed Away From Ex-PSG Star

(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

While seeing Donnarumma hang a clean sheet on them, many Manchester United fans might ask themselves why they didn’t go after a proven goalkeeper like the Italian. Nonetheless, in his latest YouTube video, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano explained the reason behind this decision.

“Why Man Utd didn’t sign Donnarumma? Man Utd considered the possibility, there was a call with the agents of Donnarumma in July to understand the situation, but never a negotiation, never an official bid and never anything concrete,” Romano said (h/t TEAMtalk).

“Man Utd believed that despite the transfer fee – €30m plus €5m in add-ons – so not big money, but don’t forget the player was obviously out of contract in 2026 otherwise he was going to cost way more than this.

“Well Man Utd, apart from the transfer fee, didn’t want to spend big money on a salary. Because of the FFP situation, because of the salary structure they have, because of what they’re doing in terms of salary internally at the club. So they didn’t want to spend big money in terms of salary on Donnarumma. That was a decision, it was part of the strategy.”