Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has singled out Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana for praise ahead of the Sunday derby during his press conference today.
The Cameroon international joined the Red Devils from Inter Milan this summer and is starting to find his footing following a dismal start to life at the club.
Onana last faced Man City in the final of the Champions League last season, producing an excellent performance in goal and with his ball-playing skills despite ending up losing 1-0.
Guardiola is hoping he fails to replicate such a top display on Sunday, but he believes the Man United goalie will eventually prove himself going forward.
“I remember we have a common friend who spoke very highly of him but personally I met him in Amsterdam,” Guardiola said. “He’s an exceptional player and now at United.
“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.”
When asked if he is worried Onana will play like he did in the Champions League final, Guardiola replied: “Hopefully not. Hopefully we can beat him, but before the game, I always expect the best of the players we are going to face. I prefer to see the strengths than the weaknesses they have.
“He saved a penalty in the last minute which helped them to stay in contention to qualify for the last 16. Mentally it’s a good boost for them.”
Onana will fancy his chances of shutting out Man City after his brilliant performance against FC Copenhagen on Tuesday.
He saved a last-minute penalty to help Man United secure a 1-0 victory, their first in the group stage this term following losses to Bayern Munich and Galatasaray.
Onana and his defence will need to be on top of their game to stop the visitors from scoring, and their performance will determine whether they have a chance of getting a result.