Manchester United icon Wayne Rooney has given his verdict on the club’s reported interest in Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Donnarumma linked to United There have been suggestions that United could dip into the market for a goalkeeper before the transfer window closes on September 1.
Doubts persist over Andre Onana and his deputy, Altay Bayindir, and these concerns were only heightened after the weekend. Onana was left out of the matchday squad that suffered a 1-0 loss to Arsenal, while Bayindir was at fault for the conceded goal.
However, it’s believed that United are not actively trying to offload Onana and Bayindir. A swoop for a shot-stopper is only likely to happen if either or both of them were to depart.
But, United continue to be linked to a number of goalkeepers including Donnarumma. The Italy international has been frozen out of Paris Saint-Germain’s plans just months after helping them win a treble.
Talks between Donnarumma and PSG over a new contract broke down, prompting the Ligue 1 giants to snap up Lucas Chevalier as his replacement.
Donnarumma’s terms expire next summer.
United are not the only ones mentioned as an interested party in the 26-year-old. A report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Manchester City are close to signing him. This was recently corroborated by Fabrizio Romano.
🚨🟡🔴 EXCL: Galatasaray send first official bid to Man City for Éderson.
Proposal in the region of €10m while City ask for higher fee.
Gigio Donnarumma has already opened doors to City move, no issues on personal terms 🔵🇮🇹
🔀 If Éderson leaves, Donnarumma can join #MCFC. pic.twitter.com/m1qqmcvr0Q
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 16, 2025
According to journalist Jan Aage Fjørtoft, there remains a chance that Donnarumma will end up at United.
United still have a chance of landing Donnarumma Jan Aage Fjørtoft wrote on X, “Re: Donnarumma – Manchester United need a new goalkeeper if they are to have any realistic hopes of finishing in the top six.”
“Donnarumma is a world-class keeper, and I understand there’s still a chance he could end up in Manchester….on the red side of the city.”
“The challenge for United, though, is that they’ll need to move at least one goalkeeper out before that becomes possible.”
Re: Donnarumma
Manchester United need a new goalkeeper if they are to have any realistic hopes of finishing in the top six.
Donnarumma is a world-class keeper, and I understand there’s still a chance he could end up in Manchester….on the red side of the city.
The challenge…
— Jan Aage Fjørtoft 🇳🇴 (@JanAageFjortoft) August 20, 2025
As the situation rumbles on, Rooney has weighed in and encouraged United to do everything possible to lure Donnarumma to Old Trafford.
Rooney comments on United’s Donnarumma chase Speaking on the Wayne Rooney show [as quoted by Manchester World], United’s record goalscorer stated, “I go back to when we had Roy Carroll and Tim Howard in goal. I don’t think there was 100 per cent trust from the defenders in front of those two goalkeepers.”
“But the minute [Edwin] Van der Sar came in and calmed everything down, the defenders trusted him a lot more and you see a better output of performance.”
Rooney added, “I think with Donnaruma, he’s 26. He’s one of the best keepers in the world.”
“It would be crazy if Manchester United didn’t go for him.”
United are back in action on Sunday when they face Fulham at Craven Cottage. Kick-off is at 16:30 BST.
Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
