Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes Andre Onana’s penalty save will boost the Manchester United goalkeeper’s confidence ahead of the derby.

Guardiola, a longtime fan of the Cameroonian, regarded him as Inter Milan’s most dangerous player before Manchester City defeated them in the Champions League final last season, setting a new record.

Although Onana has made a few errors since joining Manchester United in the summer, he made a penalty save in extra time in the middle of the week to preserve a vital 1-0 Champions League victory over Copenhagen.

.

Onana was mobbed by his team-mates in the aftermath and will now head into this weekend with his spirits raised, according to Guardiola, who has been well aware of the ex-Ajax shot-stopper for several years.

The Manchester City boss said: “I remember we have a common friend who spoke very highly of him but personally I met him in Amsterdam. He’s an exceptional player and now at United.

“Before the game I always expect the best of the players we are going to face. I prefer to see the strengths than the weakness they have.

“He saved a penalty in the last minute which helped Manchester United to stay in contention to qualify for the last 16. Mentally it’s a good boost for them and for him.

“Everyone needs time (to adapt to the Premier League), not just the managers but players, keepers. Everyone. Sometimes people are quicker but I have a high opinion of him as a keeper.”