Gianluigi Donnarumma's Man United U-turn and Pep Guardiola swap actions as rumours swirl

Gianluigi Donnarumma's Man United U-turn and Pep Guardiola swap actions as rumours swirl

Gianluigi Donnarumma could finally head to the Premier League this month, and if he does join Manchester United, the PSG keeper faces some tense reunions in England with rivals from the past

Gianluigi Donnarumma's future at Paris Saint-Germain is uncertain (Image: 2025 Getty Images)

Gianluigi Donnarumma could be set for some tense reunions if he makes a move to Manchester United this month.

‌

The Italian international is reportedly keen on a switch to Old Trafford, following Paris Saint-Germain's £35million agreement to sign Lille's Lucas Chevalier.

‌

United have been active in the transfer market, securing the signatures of Diego Leon, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo and are also close to finalising a deal for Benjamin Sesko, worth just under £74m including add-ons.

‌

A move for PSG's shot-stopper is currently deemed challenging. But this could change if United manage to offload surplus players such as Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Jadon Sancho, thereby increasing their budget. Andre Onana's pre-season injury hasn't helped matters, and his shaky form last season means an upgrade could still come in.

The former AC Milan keeper also has previous with Premier League clubs and certain players he may yet face again. Manchester Evening News delves into Donnarumma's past confrontations.

Man Utd U-turn

Donnarumma changed his mind on a move to Manchester United (Image: 2021 Getty Images)

Article continues below

At just 18 years old, it was reported Donnarumma had privately informed his friends he was Premier League-bound. During this time, David De Gea seemed set to join Real Madrid, only for a notorious fax machine mishap to thwart his move to the Bernabeu.

United were overwhelming favourites for his signature, as reported by The Sun, and felt certain they could secure a deal for the youngster back in 2017. Nevertheless, Donnarumma executed a dramatic change of heart and went on to issue an apology to AC Milan fans, eventually penning a fresh long-term agreement at the San Siro.

Following the collapsed transfer, he said: "I'm delighted and proud to be at Milan. I was born and raised at this club and I never had any doubts about staying in my mind.

‌

"I'm sorry to the fans who felt betrayed, but I repeat that was not my intention. I'm sorry to them and thank them for their affection for these two years. I am proud to be here."

Guardiola's interference

Ironically, Manchester City have also been linked with Donnarumma (Image: 2024 Soccrates Images B.V. )

This summer, Manchester City have also been associated with a potential move for Donnarumma. This appears somewhat ironic, as rumours suggest Pep Guardiola personally stepped in to block a move for the Italian in the summer of 2023.

‌

PSG were reportedly so keen on signing City midfielder Bernardo Silva in 2023, they were prepared to offer both the goalkeeper and Marco Verratti in return. However, Guardiola was determined to retain Silva and is said to have personally quashed any possibility of the deal proceeding.

Two years on, City have been linked with Donnarumma once more, according to Football Italia, despite their recent acquisition of James Trafford from Burnley.

Donnarumma's run-in with Henderson

Jordan Henderson clashed with Gianluigi Donnarumma in the Euro 2020 final (Image: 2021 Getty Images)

‌

During the Euro 2020 final, Donnarumma was seen in a heated exchange with ex-Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson at half time. As both teams retreated to the dressing room for the interval, England were leading Italy 1-0, courtesy of Luke Shaw's early half-volley.

However, as Donnarumma confidently made his way towards the tunnel, Henderson – an England substitute at the time – emerged to challenge the goalkeeper. The now Brentford midfielder was observed gesturing towards the penalty area whilst admonishing the goalkeeper.

It's understood he took umbrage at Donnarumma's heated response to Raheem Sterling's fall in the penalty area during the first half, which resulted in the PSG star confronting the forward. When Henderson intervened, a member of the Italian team's staff was seen escorting Donnarumma away from the midfielder and down the tunnel.

‌

Italy, of course, went on to clinch the win in the final on penalties, with Donnarumma saving spot-kicks from Sancho and Bukayo Saka, leaving Three Lions supporters inside Wembley devastated.

Chelsea star floored

Donnarumma shoved Chelsea forward Joao Pedro after the Club World Cup final (Image: 2025 Getty Images)

Following Chelsea's 3-0 victory over PSG in this summer's Club World Cup final, Donnarumma and his boss Luis Enrique were incensed by Joao Pedro's behaviour. The Brazilian forward, who chipped the Blues' third goal beyond the Italian goalkeeper's reach, was shoved in the throat by Donnarumma, whilst Enrique also sought to confront him physically.

Article continues below

Pedro, who made the switch to the west London outfit from Brighton and Hove Albion for £60m this summer, collapsed to the ground, grasping his face. Donnarumma and Enrique persisted in their heated exchange with Chelsea players, who promptly waded into the melee.

Ultimately, his push on Pedro turned out to be the most memorable moment of the post-match fracas. With Chelsea having shown prior interest in Donnarumma, there's a chance the Italian and Pedro could become colleagues in the future, although, United's search for a goalkeeper seems to be more urgent at present.

Click here to read article