Paul Scholes snubs Liverpool in shock ‘best signing’ call as Man Utd failed to seal transfer

Paul Scholes has singled out Gianluigi Donnarumma’s move to Manchester City as the signing of the transfer window, but wishes Manchester United had snared the Italian keeper

Paul Scholes overlooked Liverpool as he named Gianluigi Donnarumma to Manchester City as the standout signing of the transfer window. The Italy goalkeeper has joined Pep Guardiola’s side for a seemingly modest fee of around £27million, having fallen out of favour at European champion Paris Saint-Germain.

Liverpool were the biggest spenders of the summer window, lavishing a record £446m on an array of talent such as Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike. But it was the transfer of Donnarumma that caught the eye of Manchester United legend Scholes.

The co-owner of League Two Salford City took to Instagram to post a picture of Donnarumma following his City move and wrote: “Donnarumma for £26m surely has to be signing of the window… obviously apart from the 14 Salford City have signed [praying emoji].”

READ MORE: Man Utd could have made incredible signing by spending just £9m more as deal confirmedREAD MORE: James Trafford’s Man City promise broken after three games with Gianluigi Donnarumma transfer

Given United’s goalkeeping issues, with Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir both making shaky starts to the season, Scholes wishes his former club had signed Donnarumma, who had been linked with a move to Old Trafford, but they signed Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp instead.

However, he believes it is a “strange signing” for Guardiola, who likes his keepers to be good with the ball at their feet. Scholes told The Overlap: “I think that’s a really strange signing for Pep. I love the keeper [Donnarumma], I think he’s brilliant and I’d have him at United tomorrow, today, whenever.

“For £40m [the previously reported price for Donnrumma], he’s unbelievable. But for Pep, you’ve got to almost be able to play in central midfield as a goalkeeper.

“I think that’s the reason [Luis] Enrique is getting rid of him at PSG, because he’s not great with his feet. I just don’t see him as a City goalkeeper.”

Donnarumma replaces Ederson, who has left for Turkish side Fenerbahce after eight years at the Etihad. The 26-year-old said: “To have signed for Manchester City is such a special and proud moment for me.

“I am joining a squad packed with world-class talent and a team led by the one of the greatest managers in the history of football in Pep Guardiola. This is a club every player in world football would love to join.

“I have admired watching Manchester City for many years, so to now be able to play for the club is a huge honour and a privilege. I cannot wait to meet my new team-mates, the staff and the fans.

“Playing at the Etihad Stadium will be very, very special for me. I am very excited for what lies ahead and can promise that I will give absolutely everything to try and help the club achieve even more success.”

Donnarumma is set to displace James Trafford, who has started City’s first three matches of the season, two of which have ended in defeat. He could even make his debut in the Manchester derby at the Etihad on Sunday, September 14.

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