In the world of football, team dynamics can change drastically in a short time. An example of this is the situation in the goalkeeping position of the Manchester teams, where both Ruben Amorim, from Manchester United, and Pep Guardiola, from Manchester City, seemed content with their goalkeepers at the beginning of summer.Now, with the first derby of the season just around the corner, Guardiola is faced with the possibility of having Gianluigi Donnarumma make his debut at the Etihad Stadium. Meanwhile, Amorim has chosen to give Altay Bayindir the starting position, ahead of the last-minute signing Senne Lammens, who comes from Antwerp.
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Donnarumma and Guardiola’s System
If Donnarumma is chosen to play, his Premier League debut against United could be the most pressure-filled moment of his career with City. Despite his impressive track record at AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain, there is debate about whether the Italian fits Guardiola’s system, especially regarding his footwork.This Sunday, the goalkeepers’ performance will be a central theme in the match.The worst Manchester derby is yet to come.
O’Hanlon
How Premier League contenders can succeed.Premier League’s first conclusions: Doubts about Liverpool?
Darke
United and Uncertainty in Goal
The Manchester United has shown some lack of clarity in its strategy with goalkeepers. André Onana, initially planned as a starter, was relegated after missing the preseason due to injury. After Bayindir made a mistake in the defeat against Arsenal, Amorim expressed his satisfaction with Onana, Bayindir and Tom Heaton. However, Onana made mistakes in the defeat in the Carabao Cup. Finally, before the closing of the market, Amorim chose Bayindir to play against Burnley, and United accelerated the signing of Lammens.After rejecting offers from AS Monaco and Galatasaray, Onana went on loan to Trabzonspor to secure playing time.
Lammens: Future or Present of United?
Internally, United has moderated expectations regarding Lammens, 23 years old, considering him a project with great potential. Football director Jason Wilcox highlighted his potential. Lammens has not yet debuted with the Belgian national team, but some fans believe he should play already, despite having only one full season in the Belgian league.Taibi, another United goalkeeper, debuted in an important match, but his time at the club was short-lived. Amorim suggested that Onana couldn’t handle the pressure of playing at United, which Gary Neville considers “the most difficult job in English football.”For now, all eyes are on Bayindir.The City and Its Own Doubts
Guardiola is no stranger to the situation of having to integrate a goalkeeper in a Manchester derby. After his arrival in 2016, Guardiola replaced Joe Hart with Claudio Bravo. Despite the 2-1 victory, Bravo made a mistake that led to United’s goal. Finally, Guardiola’s preference for a goalkeeper with good footwork led to the arrival of Ederson, who helped the team win numerous titles.Although Guardiola hoped Ederson would stay, the Brazilian left, leading to the arrival of Donnarumma. Although he is considered one of the best in the world, his footwork is not as solid as Ederson’s.Ederson’s passing accuracy was superior to Donnarumma’s in several aspects. Guardiola has made it clear that he will not ask Donnarumma to do what Ederson did, but rather to take advantage of his other qualities.Guardiola could opt for James Trafford against United, although it is unlikely that Donnarumma joined City to be a substitute.
