Guardiola Faces Keeper Dilemma Before Manchester Derby

Guardiola’s Goalkeeper Dilemma Ahead of Manchester Derby

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is weighing his options in goal ahead of Sunday’s much-anticipated Manchester Derby against United. With the departure of Ederson to Fenerbahce after eight trophy-laden years, Guardiola now has to choose between £26m new signing Gianluigi Donnarumma or James Trafford, who has started the club’s first three league games.

Donnarumma or Trafford? Guardiola Plays His Cards Close

Italian international Donnarumma, 26, joined from PSG on deadline day, with Guardiola praising his “presence, personality, and safe hands”. Despite questions about his footwork compared to Ederson, Guardiola emphasized that City didn’t sign Donnarumma to replicate Ederson’s distribution.

“We didn’t take Gigi to do what Ederson has done. Gigi has other qualities,” said Guardiola.

Meanwhile, 22-year-old Trafford, a summer signing from Burnley, has featured prominently this season, but Guardiola says “everyone will be involved” over the long campaign.

City’s New Direction Post-Ederson

Ederson redefined goalkeeping with his sweeping and playmaking ability, registering seven assists in the Premier League—more than any other goalkeeper. However, Guardiola signals a tactical evolution, stating he will adapt to Donnarumma’s style rather than force comparisons.

United Stick With Bayindir in Goal

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim confirmed that Altay Bayindir will retain his place in goal, sidelining Senne Lammens, their deadline-day signing. Bayindir, despite errors against Arsenal and Burnley, has kept his spot while Andre Onana has been loaned to Trabzonspor.

Guardiola on Haaland vs Isak: “Erling is a little bit above”

With Erling Haaland fresh off a five-goal haul for Norway, Guardiola was asked about comparisons to new Liverpool striker Alexander Isak, signed for a record £125m.

“Erling is a little bit above,” he said. “I wouldn’t change him for anyone.”

Haaland himself spoke ahead of the derby:

“We’ve lost two games in a row – it’s not good enough. It’s perfect to turn things around against United.”

Squad Changes and Key Departures

Alongside Ederson, City also parted ways with Ilkay Gundogan and Manuel Akanji, whom Guardiola praised for their legacy during the club’s most successful era.

“It was unthinkable what we would have done without them,” he said.

Manchester Derby Stakes: Table & Form

City are 13th in the Premier League, a point behind United who sit 9th. This marks the first time since 2020 that City trail United going into a derby. With back-to-back league defeats, pressure is mounting on Guardiola’s men to respond at Etihad Stadium.