“I have recognized the strengths,” said Man City coach Pep Guardiola, expressing special admiration for Man Utd star Andre Onana ahead of the upcoming Super Sunday match.

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.

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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.”