Jeremy Doku reveals the unusual reason why he had added motivation to impress during the Manchester derby

Jeremy Doku was baptised in the hours after turning in his best performance in a Manchester City shirt during Sunday’s rousing derby win.

Doku was afforded a freer role in behind Haaland and flourished – putting the improved display down to his faith.

‘If I can be honest, it was already a victory for me,’ Doku said. ‘Why? Because I knew that after the game I’m going to baptise myself, I’m going to be baptised.

‘Maybe that’s why I felt like I was pushed today. That’s why I’m very happy with the performance as well.

‘I was already excited before the game because I knew that it was a victory day.’

Doku recently launched a YouTube channel and discussed his faith during a documentary charting his summer and the Club World Cup.

The 23-year-old scored in Belgium’s victory over Wales in the international break as he looks to kick on this term.

City were far too good for United, with Erling Haaland netting twice in the 3-0 derby victory

‘There’s nothing more important to me than faith,’ he added. ‘As a Christian, when you get baptised, your old nature, your old sinful nature dies, and you start living with God.

‘You resurrect with God, with Jesus Christ. You can do that as a kid but normally it’s meant for when you’re older and you really realise what you’re doing, so that’s what I’m going to do.’