Once again, a crucial save came from the hulking presence in the Manchester City goal

It took a Herculean effort from every player on the pitch for Manchester City to pick up a precious three points against Manchester United yesterday at Old Trafford. Enzo Maresca’s side were reduced to ten in the 23rd minute when Phil Foden was sent off for kicking out at Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes. City played exceptionally well with ten men at Old Trafford. Their belief in Enzo Maresca’s gameplan and themselves carried City to a famous win in yesterday’s Manchester derby. However, at the end of yesterday’s match, Bryan Mbeumo had the opportunity to steal a point for Michael Carrick’s side. When the moment arrived, Gianluigi Donnarumma was there to preserve City’s 1-0 lead with a monumental save.

Gianluigi Donnarumma was there when Manchester City needed him the most as he so often is.

Manchester United hit the post twice during yesterday’s Manchester derby. Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo both saw efforts come back off the woodwork either side of halftime. Luck did seem to be on Manchester City’s side at times during yesterday’s pulsating Premier League fixture at Old Trafford. Conversely, Enzo Fernandez also hit the post in the second half, and Erling Haaland’s winning goal was incorrectly ruled in City’s favour. But those are the swings and roundabouts of football.

Outside of United hitting the bar twice, Gianluigi Donnarumma didn’t have a lot to do in goal yesterday. He commanded his area exceptionally well from United’s set pieces. In possession, Donnarumma was composed and at no point did he seem phased with the ball at his feet.

However, Gianluigi Donnarumma did have one match-defining save to make in the 95th minute. After being rendered toothless despite having a one man advantage, Manchester United did create one significant chance to equalize. Bruno Fernandes slipped Bryan Mbeumo in behind the City defence. Mbeumo took a touch and got a powerful right-footed shot away.

Time almost stood still as it seemed that all of City’s hard work to clinch a famous derby victory would be undone. That was until Donnarumma made a tremendous save with his right hand to preserve City’s 1-0 lead. Donnarumma’s save is exactly what he brings to Manchester City. Gianluigi Donnarumma is an elite shot-stopper, especially in key moments. He showed this once again yesterday when his team needed him the most.

Erling Haaland had high praise for Gianluigi Donnarumma after Manchester City’s famous derby victory.

Gianluigi Donnarumma’s match-defining save was yet another illustration of his ability to stand up in big matches and massive moments. It is a trait that has served Donnarumma well throughout his career. Manchester City have an elite keeper between the posts in Donnarumma. His clutch saves have previously saved points for City before. He added another one to his catalogue with his fine save to deny Bryan Mbeumo a late equaliser for Manchester United.

Speaking with Sky Sports after his goal decided yesterday’s Manchester derby, Erling Haaland spoke glowingly of Gianluigi Donnarumma, his crucial save, and the security he provides this Manchester City team. Haaland was full of praise for Donnarumma when he said: “What a save! What a keeper he is, I’ve said it plenty of times! This wolf in goal, he looks a bit like a wolf, so to have him in the goal gives you so much confidence, honestly. In the end, he’s a mad man behind there and we’re so lucky to have him! He’s a match-winner as well, so all praise to him!”

Erling Haaland’s assessment of Gianluigi Donnarumma. He is a match-winner for Manchester City in goal. He’s shown it before and when his team needed him to preserve their precious 1-0 lead against Manchester United, Donnarumma delivered again. So much is made of Donnarumma’s quality with his feet. However, in terms of pure shot-stopping, especially in big moments, it is hard to find a goalkeeper in world football who matches the Italian international. This was again on display at Old Trafford yesterday.