In the aftermath of Manchester City’s 1-1 draw against Manchester United, City winger Jeremy Doku has spoken candidly about one player who caught his attention with a performance that surprised him.
Despite Manchester City relinquishing a 1-0 lead to United, Doku was quick to credit a United player for his aggressive style of play, which he found to be a real challenge on the pitch.
Doku, who scored for City in the first half before United’s Bruno Fernandes equalized, shared his thoughts in a post-match interview. “Although we bottled the 1-0 lead to them, I must confess I have never played against such a dangerously aggressive player like him in the league before,” Doku revealed.
Interestingly, Doku clarified that the player who impressed him was not United’s usual standout performers like Bruno Fernandes or Amad Diallo, both of whom have been crucial for United this season. Instead, it was United’s new signing, Rasmus Højlund, who grabbed Doku’s attention.
Højlund, who joined United in the summer transfer window, has been steadily adapting to life in the Premier League. While his performances have been somewhat inconsistent, Doku felt his presence on the pitch during this derby was overwhelming. “I knew Fernandes and Amad would be tough, but Højlund? He surprised me,” Doku continued. “He’s aggressive, fast, and doesn’t give you a moment to breathe. It was really tough to keep him under control, and he made life difficult for us throughout the match.”
The Danish striker’s physicality and relentless pressing were evident throughout the game. Despite not scoring, Højlund played a significant role in keeping City’s defense on edge, and his work rate was widely recognized by both teammates and opponents alike.
Doku’s praise of Højlund highlights the growing influence the striker is having at Old Trafford. United fans will be encouraged by the recognition from one of the Premier League’s most talented young wingers, as Højlund continues to settle into his role at United.
The 1-1 draw, which sees both teams share the spoils, has left fans of both clubs reflecting on missed opportunities. For Manchester City, the inability to hold onto their lead was frustrating, while United will be pleased with their resilience in clawing back to secure a point.
However, it is clear that Højlund’s performance in this game has marked him as a player to watch moving forward.
