Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel has revealed that he spent over a year trying to convince Gianluigi Donnarumma to join the Red Devils—only to see the Italian goalkeeper sign for rivals Manchester City instead.
The Dane’s admission comes in the wake of United’s 3-0 defeat to City, a result that once again highlighted the gulf between the two Manchester clubs. United have not finished above City in the Premier League since 2013, and Schmeichel had hoped that signing Donnarumma could help close the gap.
Manchester Clubs Battled for a Goalkeeper in the Summer
Both Manchester sides entered the summer transfer window in search of a new No.1. With Ederson leaving for Fenerbahce and Andre Onana joining Trabzonspor on loan, City and United were in the market at the same time.
Donnarumma, available for around £30 million, was one of the most sought-after options. While United explored their alternatives, City secured his signature, adding another world-class player to Pep Guardiola’s squad.
Peter Schmeichel on Trying to Sway Donnarumma
Speaking to CBS Sports, Schmeichel admitted he had been in Donnarumma’s ear for a long time, urging him to consider a move to Old Trafford.
“That’s why I’m not an agent. I have been talking to him for more than a year and I pulled him in and said ‘I asked you to go to Man United, you’re in the wrong club here.’ And all he said was ‘I am happy.’
Manchester United instead bolstered their goalkeeping department by signing Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp for around £18.1 million plus add-ons. The 23-year-old Belgian impressed with 12 clean sheets in 60 appearances at Antwerp, making him one of the most promising young keepers in Europe.
