City’s choice: Donnarumma or Trafford?
Manchester City have a new name in their squad with the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma. The Euro 2020 hero and two-time Yashin Trophy winner provides immediate competition for James Trafford, who only joined from Burnley in July. City have faced more shots on target than any other side in the Premier League this season, and Donnarumma’s proven shot-stopping could be crucial against a United attack that leads the league in attempts.
United’s reshuffle after Onana exit
Manchester United’s summer signing Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp now stands as the most likely option following Andre Onana’s confirmed loan move to Trabzonspor. Altay Bayindir, who has been heavily criticised in recent performances, remains another option for Ruben Amorim, but pressure is mounting for a change in goal.
Big decisions for Guardiola and Amorim
Pep Guardiola must weigh the balance between Donnarumma’s elite experience and questions about his fit in City’s build-from-the-back style. Meanwhile, Amorim faces whether to stick with Bayindir or hand a derby debut to Lammens, whose arrival on deadline day was designed to solve United’s long-standing goalkeeping issues.
High stakes at the Etihad
Both clubs enter Sunday’s derby with identical dilemmas: whether to trust their current No.1 or give a debut to a new recruit on one of the Premier League’s biggest stages. With City needing reliability under pressure and United desperate to steady their defence, the goalkeeper selection could define the latest chapter in Manchester’s fierce rivalry.
