United and City have traditionally been among the strongest teams at the youth level, making the derby an important fixture for Mainoo from a young age. The upcoming meeting will be the 199th between the two sides.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt means a lot to me. I mean, coming up in the Academy, you play City twice a season, and it\u2019s always the biggest game,\u201d Mainoo told United Review.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cYou know that being a fan, but where the coaches would bring it up, it\u2019s always been a big rivalry for us, and so yeah, I\u2019m really excited.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Mainoo has already produced one of the biggest moments of his United career against City. He was named Player of the Match after scoring in United\u2019s 2-1 victory over Pep Guardiola\u2019s side in the 2024 FA Cup final at Wembley. The midfielder said scoring against City in a final made the occasion even more memorable.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt was a great day. I mean, scoring in the derby any time is unbelievable, but in an FA Cup final, it\u2019s just that much sweeter, and to go on and to win, yeah, it\u2019s a day I\u2019ll never forget. The moment you dream of, like at Wembley, against your rivals, to win a trophy. It\u2019s unbelievable,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Mainoo also revealed that he has kept some of the memorabilia from that memorable day. \u201cI\u2019ve still got the bucket hat, still got some of the scarves from the game. Yeah, I\u2019ll keep them forever!\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
United will enter Sunday\u2019s derby looking to continue their strong home form under manager Michael Carrick. Mainoo believes the 2-0 win over City in January played an important role in building momentum for the season.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt definitely got the ball rolling for us and was a big booster in building momentum, going to Arsenal after that and winning again,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
United will enter Sunday\u2019s derby looking to continue their strong home form under manager Michael Carrick. Mainoo believes the 2-0 win over City in January played an important role in building momentum for the season.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cAnything that he tells you or any instruction that he gives you is gold, really. So it\u2019s been good to learn under him and play for him. Any time you beat City, it\u2019s positive, and it\u2019s big for the season. Hopefully we come out winners,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n