Kobbie Mainoo Says Manchester Derby Can Lift Manchester United Squad
Kobbie Mainoo has underlined the importance of Manchester United’s next derby with City, calling it a fixture capable of lifting the whole squad as the clubs approach their 199th meeting.
The 21-year-old midfielder grew up with the rivalry inside United’s academy, where matches against City were treated as major occasions long before he became a first-team regular. Mainoo said the derby has always stood apart for him as both a supporter and a player, with academy staff making clear how much the contest mattered.
United go into the game encouraged by their recent progress and a strong Old Trafford record under Michael Carrick. Leeds United are the only visiting side to leave without defeat during Carrick’s spell in charge, but Mainoo knows City, managed by Enzo Maresca, will demand an almost flawless display.
He believes another win over United’s local rivals would carry consequences beyond the final whistle, giving the team momentum for the rest of the campaign. Mainoo insisted there will be no complacency, with United determined to build on the edge they established earlier this year.
Wembley memory remains fresh
Mainoo already owns one of the defining derby moments of recent years. In the 2024 FA Cup final, he scored United’s second goal in a 2-1 Wembley victory over City and collected the Player of the Match award.
He described the occasion as an unforgettable fulfilment of a childhood ambition: scoring against City, at Wembley, in a cup final, before ending the day with silverware. Mainoo has kept the red, white and black bucket hat worn in the celebrations, along with scarves from the match, as personal reminders of the triumph.
The midfielder has also praised Carrick’s influence since the former United captain took charge. Mainoo said the chance to learn from a manager who played in his position, won extensively at Old Trafford and understands the demands of the club has been hugely valuable, adding that Carrick’s instructions carry real weight within the squad.
What happens next is simple for Mainoo and United: protect their home form, meet City’s level and chase another derby result that could reshape the mood around their season.
