Pep Guardiola opens up on Andre Onana's start to Manchester United career ahead of derby

Pep Guardiola expects Andre Onana's midweek penalty save to provide a much-needed mental boost ahead of Sunday's 191st Manchester derby.

Onana was the hero on Tuesday night as Manchester United beat FC Copenhagen 1-0 in the Champions League. The 27-year-old stood firm and got a strong hand to Jordan Larsson's added-time spot-kick, keeping his clean sheet intact and ensuring all three points remained at Old Trafford.

Since arriving in a £47.2million deal from Inter Milan over the summer, Onana has endured a tough start to life in England and has committed several errors. The Cameroon international has seemed short of confidence in recent weeks, also struggling with the ball at his feet.

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Guardiola singled Onana out ahead of last season's Champions League final win over Inter and the City boss remains a huge fan. He believes Tuesday's heroics will bring a boost of confidence but hopes it won't make the difference come Sunday.

"I remember we have a common friend who spoke very highly of him but personally I met him in Amsterdam," Guardiola said of Onana. "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.

"Hopefully not [a repeat of his Champions League final performance]. 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 weakness they have. He saved a pen in the last minute which helped them to