Donnarumma Set for Possible Manchester City Debut in Derby Against United

Gianluigi Donnarumma could make his Manchester City debut against Manchester United. Manager Pep Guardiola is unsure who will start in goal for the big derby on Sunday, and as reports suggest, Donnarumma is expected to be in contention.

WHAT GUARDIOLA SAID

Pep Guardiola talked about Donnarumma joining Manchester City. He said: “The market gave us a chance to take Gigio; he’s 26, incredible experience with big clubs, the national team. We didn’t take Gigio to do what Ederson has done. Gigio has other qualities, it will be good.”

When asked if Donnarumma would start against Manchester United, Guardiola replied, “We will see.” Fans are waiting to find out who will be in goal.

DONNARUMMA JOINS CITY AFTER PSG EXIT

Donnarumma signed for City from Paris Saint-Germain on deadline day for about €39 million. He signed a five-year contract after PSG no longer needed him, despite winning the Champions League and Ligue 1 last season. As noted in a recent update, Donnarumma is excited about the move, calling it a “new chapter” and expressing readiness for “the best league in the world.” He spent Thursday meeting his new teammates and training at the facilities.

THE DERBY AND THE SEASON SO FAR

Manchester City started the season poorly. After finishing third last year and not winning a fifth-straight Premier League title, they are mid-table, with one win and two losses from three matches. United are struggling too, sitting eighth, one point ahead of City. The Manchester derby is on Sunday at the Etihad Stadium and could be crucial for both teams’ hopes this year. City need a win to close the gap at the top, while United need to stay close to the Champions League spots, as confirmed in a previous report.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR DONNARUMMA AND CITY?

If Donnarumma starts, all eyes will be on him to see how he adapts to City’s style and Premier League football. Ederson’s ability to play with the ball was essential for City in recent years, but Donnarumma is a strong shot-stopper with big-game experience. Manchester City hope the Italian can help steady the team and improve their title challenge. After the derby, City’s next match is their Champions League opener against Italian champions Napoli before traveling to London to face last season’s runner-ups Arsenal. Every fixture is vital as the standings remain tight near the top.