Manchester City supporters have reacted strongly to reports that the club are working on a tactical solution to help Gianluigi Donnarumma become more comfortable with the ball at his feet.
According to the report, City are looking at ways to make Donnarumma’s involvement in possession simpler rather than demanding overly complicated passing sequences from the Italian goalkeeper.
One possible solution is to build up with three defenders instead of two. That would give Donnarumma greater protection if a pass goes wrong while also creating an additional option during the first phase of possession.
The goalkeeper is also reportedly doing extra work after training with Richard Wright and Michele De Bernardin, repeatedly practising long passes towards wide areas.
However, the reaction from Manchester City supporters to the news was far from unanimous.
In fact, many fans responding to the City Xtra post expressed frustration, questioned the decision-making behind Donnarumma’s signing and even brought up former City goalkeeper James Trafford.
Man City fans immediately question the Donnarumma decision
The strongest reaction came from supporters who appear unconvinced that Donnarumma is the right goalkeeper for a Manchester City team that places such a huge emphasis on possession and build-up play.
One supporter simply wrote: “Just get rid.”
Another described the situation as “What a joke.”
The blunt nature of those comments demonstrates the frustration among a section of the fanbase.
Rather than viewing the reported tactical adjustments as an opportunity to help Donnarumma settle into the team, these supporters appear to see them as evidence that Manchester City have created a problem that should not have existed in the first place.
For a club that has spent years demanding exceptional technical ability from its goalkeeper, that criticism is understandable.
City’s goalkeeper is expected to function almost like an additional outfield player during possession.
That means passing ability, composure and decision-making are extremely important.
“Forcing Donna” sparks another angry response
One of the most critical reactions came from Mohammed, who argued that City were effectively “forcing Donna GK for a build up team.”
The supporter questioned whether those responsible for the decision at Manchester City were making the right call.
That reaction gets to the heart of the debate.
The issue is not necessarily whether Donnarumma is a good goalkeeper.
Instead, it is whether his particular strengths fit what Manchester City require from their goalkeeper.
Donnarumma has an enormous reputation between the posts.
His reflexes, physical presence and shot-stopping ability are among his biggest strengths.
But City’s system places additional demands on the goalkeeper.
The goalkeeper has to be comfortable receiving the ball under pressure. He must recognise when to play short, when to go long and when to take an extra touch.
The reports of additional training therefore suggest that Maresca’s coaching staff are actively trying to find a solution.
Fans bring up James Trafford
Perhaps the most revealing part of the reaction was the number of supporters who mentioned James Trafford.
One fan wrote: “Thanks for giving us Trafford he’d have been perfect for this.”
Another simply posted: “Sold Trafford man, wtf.”
Those comments show that some supporters are already questioning whether City made the correct decision with their goalkeeping options.
Trafford’s name carries particular weight because of his ability to contribute to build-up play.
For fans who value distribution above almost everything else in a possession-based system, the idea that City could have had another option available makes the current situation more frustrating.
The reaction does not necessarily mean every supporter believes Trafford should have been the undisputed No.1.
Instead, it reflects a growing concern that City may have moved away from a goalkeeper profile that suited their football.
Is a three-man build-up the answer?
The proposed tactical solution of building with three defenders has also generated discussion.
On paper, there are obvious benefits.
A third defender can provide an additional passing option.
It can also reduce the amount of space Donnarumma has to cover with his passing and give him greater protection if possession is lost.
That could be particularly useful when opponents press aggressively.
However, some supporters appear to see the change as an unnecessary complication.
The criticism is essentially this: why should Manchester City alter their build-up structure specifically to accommodate their goalkeeper?
That is a legitimate tactical question.
Great teams regularly adapt their systems to maximise the strengths of individual players.
But there is a balance.
If too many structural changes are made to compensate for one player’s weaknesses, the team can potentially lose some of the qualities that made its system successful.
Fans question whether Donnarumma can adapt
Other reactions focused more directly on Donnarumma himself.
One supporter sarcastically referred to him as a “professional footballer”, while another called his signing a “mistake.”
Those comments may be harsh, but they reflect the expectations surrounding a player of Donnarumma’s stature.
Manchester City did not sign an inexperienced goalkeeper.
They signed a goalkeeper with a huge reputation and significant experience at the highest level.
Therefore, supporters naturally expect him to adapt.
The additional training with Wright and De Bernardin could be an encouraging sign in that respect.
Rather than hiding the problem, the coaching staff appear to be working directly on it.
Donnarumma repeatedly practising 30- and 40-yard passes towards wide areas suggests that the club have identified specific situations where they want him to improve.
That kind of targeted training could eventually make a significant difference.
“How about set pieces?”
One supporter took the discussion in a completely different direction, asking: “how about set pieces???”
Although brief, the comment highlights another concern among fans.
Supporters are not only judging Donnarumma on his distribution.
They will ultimately assess whether he improves the team as a whole.
If his presence requires tactical adjustments but does not deliver a significant improvement in other areas, questions will naturally follow.
That is why the Italian’s performances will be scrutinised closely.
A goalkeeper can change the perception of a transfer very quickly.
A series of outstanding saves can make concerns over distribution disappear.
Conversely, mistakes in possession can amplify every existing doubt.
The Joe Hart comparison
Another interesting reaction referenced Joe Hart.
One supporter wrote: “No one did it for Joe Hart.”
The comment appears to be a reminder of how ruthless elite football can be when a goalkeeper no longer fits the tactical requirements of a top team.
Hart was an important figure in Manchester City’s history, but Pep Guardiola eventually decided that a different goalkeeper profile was required.
That decision eventually led City towards a model where distribution from the goalkeeper became a central part of their football.
The current Donnarumma debate therefore carries some historical significance.
City supporters have become accustomed to goalkeeper changes being connected directly to tactical evolution.
Maresca faces an early tactical test
For new head coach Enzo Maresca, the situation represents an interesting tactical challenge.
Maresca succeeded Guardiola in June 2026 and inherited a squad that had been shaped around a very specific possession philosophy.
The new manager now has to decide how much of that philosophy should remain and where changes are necessary.
Donnarumma provides one of those early tests.
Maresca could attempt to modify the structure to maximise the goalkeeper’s strengths.
Alternatively, he could demand that Donnarumma improve sufficiently to fit the existing system.
The reported three-man build-up could ultimately become a useful compromise.
It would give the goalkeeper more passing options without completely abandoning City’s possession principles.
Not every fan is against Donnarumma
Despite the overwhelmingly critical tone of many reactions, it would be wrong to suggest that every City supporter has already turned against Donnarumma.
One supporter called him “My Goat.”
That reaction is important.
It shows that there are still fans who have faith in the goalkeeper and believe he can become an important player for the club.
The current debate is therefore not necessarily a verdict on Donnarumma’s entire Manchester City career.
It is a reaction to a reported tactical adjustment.
Supporters may feel very differently if Donnarumma starts producing impressive performances.
The real verdict will come on the pitch
Ultimately, Manchester City fans will not judge Donnarumma based on training reports alone.
They will judge him on performances.
If he makes crucial saves, commands his penalty area and becomes increasingly confident with the ball, the current criticism will quickly fade.
If his distribution continues to create problems, however, the questions will become louder.
For now, the reaction to the reported Donnarumma build-up plan is clear.
A significant section of the fanbase is asking why City need to change their structure to accommodate their goalkeeper.
Others are frustrated that James Trafford is no longer available as an alternative.
And some supporters simply want to see Donnarumma given time to adapt.
The extra training is at least a sign that Manchester City recognise the challenge.
Under Maresca, the goal will be to find a solution that protects Donnarumma while allowing City to retain the possession-based football their supporters expect.
For now, though, the message from sections of the fanbase is unmistakable: Donnarumma has plenty to prove with the ball at his feet.
