Erling Haaland hails ‘monster’ Gianluigi Donnarumma after controversial Manchester derby win

Erling Haaland praised Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma as a "monster" after a crucial stoppage-time save secured Sunday's contentious derby triumph against rivals Manchester United. City managed to overcome Phil Foden's controversial first-half red card to earn victory through a 60th-minute finish from Haaland. The goal was awarded after an extended VAR review despite Enzo Fernandez being in an offside position, which refereeing body Pro Ref subsequently conceded was an "error of judgement" . The strike represented the 26-year-old’s ninth goal in a Premier League Manchester derby fixture, taking him past the records held by Sergio Aguero and Wayne Rooney. Foden was sent off after 23 minutes for his reaction to an apparent kick from United captain Bruno Fernandes. However, despite enjoying a numerical advantage, the host side struggled to penetrate a resilient City defence. Donnarumma kept a clean sheet against Man United (AP) Both Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo struck the post for United. Deep into stoppage time, Fernandes set up Bryan Mbeumo in space in front of goal, but Donnarumma diverted his shot away to preserve victory for City. "Everyone just fights like never before and it’s amazing to see," Haaland said. "We have to be proud because this [performance] gives motivation. This gives an amazing feeling inside all of us. "And again, this is [the kind of] things we expect from Gigio because he’s one of the best keepers in the world. So then for him to save this is as expected. "But again, it’s the same as me, before the game, you probably expected me to score a goal and I did; so, I’ve done my job. Everyone’s done their job. Gigio managed to save us in the 95th minute, he’s a monster." Although discussion continues over whether Enzo Fernandez was interfering from an offside position, Haaland nevertheless produced a fine finish for the decisive goal. Josko Gvardiol’s cross took a deflection off Patrick Dorgu, but an off-balance Haaland adjusted smartly to drive the ball powerfully into the roof of the net. "It’s just pure instinct, of what I feel is the right thing to do," the Norway striker said. Haaland has now scored nine Manchester derby goals in the Premier League (Reuters) "And, in the end, there’s no solution to this or that. How to finish, how to do this, how to do that, it’s just about trying to get the ball in the back of the net and shooting good enough so the keeper cannot save it. So that’s just what I’m trying to think of." The effort marked Haaland’s sixth goal across his last four outings for City. "Of course, I have them but for me it’s about developing still," he said when asked about his targets for the season. "I’m still 26, I can still develop parts of my game. I have to be the decisive player so it’s about delivering what I can do for Manchester City, that’s my main goal and to take it game by game. "It’s a long season, just try to enjoy it."