Doku reveals faith gave him extra drive in Manchester derby

Jeremy Doku provided two assists in Sunday's blockbuster but admitted that his mind was also on a personal milestone.

"If I can be honest, it was already a victory for me," he 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."

The Belgium international explained that his baptism gave him a deep sense of purpose and excitement beyond football. "I was already excited before the game because I knew that it was a victory day. There's nothing more important to me than faith," he added.

The 23-year-old reflected on what the ceremony represents in his life. "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. Normally, it's meant for when you're older and really realise what you're doing, so that's what I'm going to do," he concluded, highlighting how his faith helped inspire his performance on the pitch.