Paul Scholes singles out Man City signing as he admits Man United regret over key position

Paul Scholes has called Gianluigi Donnarumma's transfer to Manchester City the signing of the transfer window, even though he believes it is a "strange" move by Pep Guardiola

Gianluigi Donnarumma was linked with Manchester United before joining Manchester City(Image: DeFodi Images, DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

Paul Scholes has branded Gianluigi Donnarumma's move to Manchester City the signing of the transfer window and wishes Manchester United had swooped for the Italian instead.

Donnarumma has joined Pep Guardiola's side for what appears to be a bargain fee of approximately £27million after losing his place at European champions Paris Saint-Germain. Liverpool were the summer's biggest spenders, splashing a record £446m on a host of stars including Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike.

However, it was Donnarumma's switch that captured the attention of Scholes. The co-owner of League Two Salford City took to Instagram to share an image of Donnarumma following his City transfer and captioned it: "Donnarumma for £26m surely has to be signing of the window... obviously apart from the 14 Salford City have signed [praying emoji]."

Considering United's goalkeeping issues, with Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir both enduring troubled starts to the season, Scholes wishes his former side had secured Donnarumma, who had been linked with a switch to Old Trafford. United have instead signed Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp.

Despite being a fan of Donnarumma's, Scholes believes it is a "strange signing" for Guardiola, who likes his goalkeepers to excel 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.

Paul Scholes wanted United to sign Donnarumma(Image: Richard Sellers/Allstar/Getty Images)

"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 departed for Turkish outfit Fenerbahce following 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.

Gianluigi Donnarumma is expected to be confirmed as a Manchester City player on Tuesday(Image: Patrick Smith - FIFA via Getty Images)

"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 poised to replace James Trafford, who has played in City's opening three fixtures of the campaign, two of which have resulted in defeats.

After the international break, he is likely to make his debut in the Manchester derby at the Etihad on Sunday, September 14.