Manchester United take on local rivals Manchester City on Sunday evening, with Michael Carrick’s team hoping to get another win against the blues.
Kobbie Mainoo, who turned down City’s academy for United’s as a youngster, has reflected on how much the derby means to him.
> It means a lot to me. I mean, coming up in the Academy, you play City twice a season and it’s always the biggest game. You know that being a fan, but where the coaches would big it up, it’s always been a big rivalry for us, and so yeah, I’m really excited.
Mainoo’s greatest moment in a red shirt to date was his Man of the Match performance against City in the 2024 FA Cup final, where he scored the winning goal. Speaking to United Review, Kobbie’s has discussed that day and the mementos he has kept.
> It was a great day. I mean, scoring in the derby any time is unbelievable, but in an FA Cup final, it’s just that much sweeter. And to go on and to win, yeah, it’s a day I’ll never forget. The moment you dream of, like at Wembley, against your rivals, to win a trophy. It’s unbelievable. I’ve still got the bucket hat, still got some of the scarves from the game. Yeah, I’ll keep them forever!
Carrick’s first game in charge as United manager last season was a home victory over City, with United playing them off the park. Mainoo has reflected on the importance of that day and how it feels to play for Carrick.
> It definitely got the ball rolling for us, and was a big booster in building momentum, going to Arsenal after that and winning again. So, \[it was\] definitely a big part of the season. I’ve loved it \[working under Carrick\]. So much help, especially him being such an experienced midfielder and winning so much with this club. Anything that he tells you or any instruction that he gives you is gold, really. So it’s been good to learn under him and play for him. Any time you beat City it’s positive and it’s big for the season, like it helps boost the team, so we’re not going to take that lightly, and we know it’s a big one. Hopefully we come out winners.