Haaland hails ‘monster’ Donnarumma after Manchester City survive derby

Erling Haaland described Gianluigi Donnarumma as a “monster” after the goalkeeper’s stoppage-time save secured Manchester City a 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford.

City played much of the match with 10 men after Phil Foden was sent off in the 23rd minute, but Haaland’s goal in the 60th minute proved decisive.

The goal followed a lengthy VAR review, with Premier League refereeing body Pro Ref later admitting there had been an “error of judgement” in the decision.

The result also saw Haaland become the leading scorer in Premier League Manchester derbies. His ninth goal in the fixture moved him beyond Sergio Aguero and Wayne Rooney.

City’s numerical disadvantage came after Foden reacted to an apparent kick from Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes and was shown a red card.

United pressed for an equaliser but were denied by the woodwork, with Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo both hitting the post.

Donnarumma then made the decisive intervention deep into stoppage time. Fernandes played a clever pass into the City penalty area for Bryan Mbeumo, who created room to shoot, but the goalkeeper reacted quickly to push the effort away and preserve all three points.

“Everyone just fights like never before and it’s amazing to see,” Haaland said.

“We have to be proud because this gives motivation. This gives an amazing feeling inside all of us.

“And again, this is the kind of thing we expect from Gigio because he’s one of the best goalkeepers in the world. So for him to save this is expected.

“But again, it’s the same as me. Before the game, you probably expected me to score a goal and I did. I’ve done my job. Everyone’s done their job. Gigio managed to save us in the 95th minute. He’s a monster.”

Haaland’s own finish came after a cross from Josko Gvardiol took a deflection off Patrick Dorgu. The Norway striker was off balance but adjusted to send the ball into the roof of the net.

“It’s just pure instinct, of what I feel is the right thing to do,” Haaland said.

“In the end, there’s no solution to this or that. How to finish, how to do this, how to do that, it’s just about trying to get the ball in the back of the net and shooting good enough so the goalkeeper cannot save it.

“That’s just what I’m trying to think of.”

Manchester City’s next match is in the EFL Cup, when they host Norwich City in the third round at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday.